Amy Fecher, Darrin Williams Among Execs at 2020 Executive Leadership Academy

Arkansas Secretary of Government Transformation and Shared Services Amy Fecher and Southern Bancorp CEO Darrin Williams are among the featured executives scheduled to speak as part of the 2020 Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy. 

Fecher and Williams are joined by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield CEO Curtis Barnett, Arkansas State University Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir and Delta Dental President CEO Ed Choate during the exclusive, five-session leadership development program, which begins Feb. 14.

Arkansas Business launched the Executive Leadership Academy two years ago for the state’s rising stars with help from Insight Leadership Group of Northwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy is a unique learning experience that includes personal strengths assessment, one- on-one coaching, problem solving and mentorship. 

Those poised to be the state’s next CEOs, presidents or executive directors, and Arkansas’ small-business owners and entrepreneurs, are encouraged to apply. Jan. 17 is the deadline to submit nominations to attend the exclusive program.

“We are again offering the premier personal and leadership development program in the state,” said Chris Bahn, publisher for business special publications at Arkansas Business Publishing Group. “We have access to some of the best leadership minds in the world right here in Arkansas, and we are thrilled to have them play a part in this unique learning experience.”

Dates and session topics scheduled for 2020 include: 

Feb. 14 

Leading From Core Values
Darrin Williams, CEO Southern Bancorp

Feb. 27

Leading a Healthy Culture
Curtis Barnett, CEO Arkansas Blue Cross 

March 13

Leading Through Crisis
Terry Mohajir, Director of Athletics Arkansas State

April 3

Leading Organizational Change
Amy Fecher, Arkansas Secretary of Government Transformation & Shared Services

April 17

Leading Empowered Organizations
Ed Choate, President & CEO Delta Dental

Class size is limited. High-potential candidates and business owners can apply. Nominees will then be selected to participate in the academy, which consists of five Friday sessions between Feb. 14 and April 17.

Tuition for the program is $3,250. Sessions will be held at the Arkansas State University System Office in downtown Little Rock.

Insight Leadership Group of Northwest Arkansas has conducted leadership training for Tyson Foods, Metova, the Hatcher Agency and St. Joseph Health, among other companies across the country. Insight Leadership Group has developed custom curriculum for participants and will provide Total SDI strengths assessments and one-on-one coaching for class members.

For additional information on the Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy or to nominate someone from your company, visit www.arkansasbusiness.com/leadership. Questions can be sent to cbahn@abpg.com or by calling (479) 595-9360.