News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Mayor Randy Heady ready to enrich Jackson County with training from the Appalachian Leadership Institute.
Heady graduated from the institute sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The only elected official in attendance Heady said of the many things he had learned, the key takeaway was the need to invite a variety of voices to the table.
“It takes everybody,” Heady said. “It says rising tides float all boats. I’ve heard that and heard that. Well it really does and each team member is part of the tide that’s gonna raise the boat that you’re trying to raise. If I got anything out of it, I got that and I think that was the most beneficial piece.”
Heady said now that he has gone through the experience, he understands the benefit of drawing off the knowledge and wisdom from other participants. He said he benefited from knowledge of development districts, loan agencies, and economic developers that he can use to enhance his skills for the betterment of Jackson County and the region.
“You grow leadership skills you already have and develop new ones,” Heady said. “They challenge you on how you deal with other people and how you handle confrontations.”
Heady said the institute helps you examine what kind of person you are and how to break down barriers in the interest of collaboration. He said in addition there are sessions on grants and opportunities, work force development, economic development, re-entry, and drug addiction.
“But it’s more about how can we work together, right,” Heady said. “It takes everyone working together to get things done in your community. So that’s the whole purpose of this.”
Heady said he was one of three participants from Tennessee. He said he has gained lifelong collaborative relationships with his fellows from the 13 Appalachian states.
Heady said he is currently working with fellows on two ARISE grants. One is out of the state of Pennsylvania and one out of Georgia, including a healthcare related grant.
“And if that comes through, that’s really going to help my community,” Heady said. “We’ll see how that goes, it’s a process.”
