Leadership Pine Bluff

How to make a difference in nine easy lessons

The Leadership Pine Bluff program, which graduated its inaugural class in 1982, is for individuals who want to make a difference in the community. This issues-oriented program broadens participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from all segments of the community and strengthens leadership skills. Selected participants have a unique opportunity to work with area CEOs, professionals, elected officials and other fellow leaders as they study leadership techniques and community issues.

Leaderhship Pine Class of 2010-11

THE 2009-10 LEADERSHIP PINE BLUFF CLASS (Seated L-R:)
(SEATED FROM LEFT:) Kelly Bryant, Evergreen Packaging; William Campbell, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services; Stacy Luckett, Dollarway School District; Joey Strode, Central Moloney Inc.; Kathy Havner, Salon Havner; Robert Thompson, Barraque Street Baptist Church.

(STANDING, FROM LEFT:) Ann Williams, Executive Director, Leadership Pine Bluff; Kris Kline, The Strong Company, Inc.; Candice Jones, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Angela Gant, Pine Bluff Arsenal; Allison Brown, Pine Bluff National Bank; Althea Hadden, Attorney; Tisha Arnold, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Jamie Thomas, Junior League of Pine Bluff; Mary Daggert, Jefferson Regional Medical Center; Harold Clark, Pine Bluff Fire Department; Joel Cobb, Jefferson Regional Medical Center; Larry Harris, Pine Bluff Arsenal; Brandon Morris, Outreach Office for Chemical Disposal; Mike Harper, Trotter Ford; Debbie Smith, Simmons First National Bank; Gloria Sumner, Pine Bluff /Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful Commission; Randall Reed, Pine Bluff Arsenal; Marla Mitchell, Simmons First National Bank; Randa Edwards, Simmons First National Bank; Lesley Lantrip, Express Employment Professionals.

NOT PICTURED: Curtis Cook, Pine Bluff Chemical Activity; Lee Meadows, Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation.

The course consists of nine monthly day-long sessions. These session offer solid, first hand information on community issues including a history of area leadership, local government, law enforcement, economic development, health and human services, state government and education. Leaders in their fields conduct the sessions. These facilitators address major issues in a unique and exciting format. Dialogue in the sessions is encouraged.

To get participants started on the same page for the course, the first session emphasizes business etiquette, team building, communications, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Leadership Pine Bluff class schedule

  • September — Opening session
  • October — History and diversity
  • November — Economic development
  • December — Culture, recreation, and tourism
  • January — Law enforcement and safety
  • February — Education and technology
  • March — State and local government
  • April — Health and human services
  • May — NCTR and Pine Bluff Arsenal
  • May — Graduation Dinner

Leadership applicants wanted

Leadership Pine Bluff welcomes and encourages applications from all walks of life. Participants will ideally represent businesses, professions, organizations, government, education and geographic areas. Applicants must live or work in Jefferson County and must attend all sessions. Enrollment is open every June and July for a new year's class that starts in the fall.

Contact: Ann Williams, Executive Director, Leadership Pine Bluff , at The Alliance, 510 Main Street or call 870-535-0110.