August 12, 2022
Shawnee State University’s Director of the Kricker Innovation Hub, David Kilroy was one of twenty-nine fellows from Appalachia’s thirteen states who graduated last month from the Appalachian Leadership Institute – a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Members of the Class of 2022 attended the graduation ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Over the past nine months, this dynamic group of change makers has dedicated themselves to sharing and building the knowledge needed to create long-lasting impacts on the region, all while growing camaraderie that will help bridge partnerships across state and county lines long after graduation,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “These fellows have a lot of work ahead of them in their own communities, and ARC looks forward to cheering them on as they use the skills gleaned during their time at the Appalachian Leadership Institute to help bolster the economic strength and vitality of the region.”
In the nine months leading up to graduation, Kilroy participated in three virtual sessions and three in-person sessions, 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. Kilroy was one of two fellows representing Ohio in the Class of 2022.
“The Appalachian Leadership Institute was a great opportunity to bring back ideas from my fellow leaders and the communities we visited,” he said. “Thanks to the Appalachian Regional Commission, we have already started to put new plans into action in Portsmouth and the surrounding region.”
As a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, Kilroy is now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate learning and idea exchange across the thirteen Appalachian states.
The Kricker Innovation Hub is a regional leader in entrepreneurship and innovation whose mission is to help businesses and entrepreneurs grow and bring their ideas to tomorrow’s market. To learn more about the services offered by the Kricker Innovation Hub at Shawnee State University, visit ssuinnovation.com.