Training Program for the Emerging Leaders
Atlanta Cohort Information

With support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Atlanta Regional Office (Agreement Number ED24ATL0G0586), the NADO Research Foundation is pleased to announce that the inaugural cohort of the Training Program for Emerging Leaders (Emerging Leaders) is underway.

The Emerging Leaders program provides EDD staff members with the education and skills required to lead a high-performing EDD. Cohort participants are offered a unique opportunity to learn about successful community and economic development approaches of other EDDs in the Atlanta region and beyond through on-site trainings. Additionally, the program is an opportunity to create a peer network across the Atlanta Regional Office service area that can add value to EDD activities long after the training program is finished.

2026 Cohort

• Greg Boike, Middle Georgia Regional Commission (GA)
• Amy Frogue, Pennyrile Area Development District (KY) 
• Tim Hendrick, East Tennessee Development District (TN)
• Lindsay Privette, Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments (SC)
• Beka Shiver, Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (GA)
• Caroline Smith, Apalachee Regional Planning Commission (FL)
• Eric Wright, East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (AL)
• Leslie Wright, Top of Alabama Council of Governments (AL)