Lautenschleger graduates as fellow
Diane Lautenschleger, partnership development at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was one of 38 fellows who graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute.
On July 15, Diane Lautenschleger, partnership development at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, was one of 38 fellows who graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Members of the Class of 2021 attended the ceremony — 24 in person in Washington, D.C. and 14 virtually.
“We congratulate the 2021 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows. In addition to network-building, the fellows have been hard at work over the last nine months building skills needed to help their communities thrive,” ARC federal co-chair Gayle Manchin said.
"The Appalachian Leadership Institute gives local leaders the tools to make their communities stronger and more resilient," said Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, ARC states’ co-chair. "Congratulations to the 38 graduating fellows.”
In the nine months leading up to graduation, Lautenschleger participated in six virtual sessions over nine months, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities. Lautenschleger was one of four fellows representing Ohio in the class.
“The ALI is absolutely transformative. Bringing together fellows with a wide variety of expertise ranging from medicine, law, community administration, nonprofit organizations, tourism, economic development and more allowed us to create a valuable network of peers throughout the region. Each session focused on a key area of economic development and included a relevant book. I am so grateful to the ARC for selecting me to participate in this program, and I look forward to utilizing my training in Tuscarawas County and our Appalachian Ohio region,” Lautenschleger said.
As a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, Lautenschleger is now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate continued learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.