Chamber President Completes Leadership Program

DELHI — Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci recently graduated from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a leadership and economic development program for the region’s public, private, and nonprofit leaders. Pucci was among 40 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states to complete the program.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the Appalachian Leadership Institute Class of 2024! The hard work and dedication that they have put into the program over the last nine months will not only lead to personal and professional development for themselves, but also forward momentum for their communities,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I have no doubt that this year’s fellows will utilize the skills learned during their time at ALI to help bolster the economic vitality of the entire Appalachian region.”

In the nine months prior to graduation, Pucci and his colleagues traveled to six Appalachian communities around the region to attend sessions, which included skill-building seminars, peer-to-peer learning, case study analysis, and site visits to experience ARC investments in action. The curriculum is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, ideas, and network needed to create positive change in their communities and strengthen the region’s economic opportunity.

These Appalachian leaders will take new skills and networks to continue serving their communities through civil service, healthcare, tourism, and a variety of other public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, graduates of the Appalachian Leadership Institute gain access to the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, with more than 200 leaders that together help facilitate continued learning and idea exchange across Appalachia’s 13 states and 423 counties.