Launch, the regional partnership serving 13 counties across North Alabama, today announced the inaugural cohort of The Exchange, a new regional leadership program powered by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Twenty-nine leaders representing all counties in Launch’s footprint will convene September 22 and 23 in Decatur, for the first of five sessions over the next nine months, taking the class to communities throughout the region.
The Exchange was identified as a key strategic initiative in Launch’s Roadmap for the Region, which called for a leadership connectivity program to strengthen relationships across county lines and fuel a more connected North Alabama. Three regional focus groups held earlier this year informed the program’s design.
“The strongest partnerships aren’t built quickly or easily,” said Dave Hargrove, Launch past chair, 2015 to 2018. “They are forged over time through consistently shared purpose, meaningful conversations, and a genuine commitment to helping each other succeed. I’m especially inspired by this new collaboration between the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of North Alabama and Launch. These organizations are not only strengthening existing ties but also creating new opportunities to elevate our region’s future through deeper connection, innovation and collective impact.”
Designed to strengthen regional leadership capacity, The Exchange connects leaders from across industries and professions to explore shared opportunities and challenges while developing a broader understanding of the region’s strengths and potential. Through interactive sessions, site visits and peer learning, participants examine regional opportunities, share best practices and build relationships that encourage innovation and collective problem-solving.
“I believe The Exchange will provide an opportunity for leaders across our region to come together, learn about one another and our respective communities, and build the relationships and trust necessary for meaningful collaboration,” said Chrystal Brown, Launch board member, Morgan County. “The collective strength of our region lies in our ability to work together, and The Exchange will help us move our entire region forward, together.”
Each session centers on its host region, with the first session centering on Morgan County. Focus areas include healthcare, tourism, workforce training, entrepreneurship and the Singing River Trail, with site visits taking place to United Launch Alliance in Trinity and Martin Farms in Courtland.
Mary Marshall VanSant, Launch board member and director of the Office of Regional Engagement at the University of North Alabama, believes this will fuel a true connection among colleagues that’s been missing for quite some time — and through the support of TVA, it’s her team at UNA that’s developing and delivering the program.
“Strong regions are built on strong connections, and The Exchange is about creating opportunities for leaders across North Alabama to know one another, understand the assets and challenges of our communities, and build relationships that lead to collaboration,” said VanSant. “When we connect the right people across county lines, we create opportunities that strengthen the entire region. Having TVA as an inaugural partner sets this program up for success — and we’re thrilled to work alongside them.”
Counties and representatives for the first cohort include:
Leslie Tomlinson & Joey Holt, Colbert County
Kim Hall, Kelly Duke, Ben Harrison & Jerry Murks, Cullman County
Jennifer McCurdy & Tyler Cooper, DeKalb County
Katrina Cole, Franklin County
Bill Nance & Jim McCamy, Jackson County
Jason Windham & Doug Barrett, Lauderdale County
Nathan Fowler, Lawrence County
Braxton Guinn & Pammie Jimmar, Limestone County
Carolyn Henderson, Stephen Simpson & Sam Dean, Madison County
Matt Cooper, Marion County
Leigh Dollar, Morri Yancy & Charlie Williams, Marshall County
Jeanne Payne, Kent Lawrence, Jacob Ladner & Jerry Baker, Morgan County
Crystal Till & Colton Corum, Winston County
Those interested in learning more about The Exchange can visit https://exchange.launchtnvalley.org
About Launch Regional Partnership:
Launch Regional Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to strengthen the North Alabama region through entrepreneurship, land use and workforce initiatives. Created in 2014, the non-profit is united by the belief that our region’s prosperity depends on North Alabama counties working and planning together, committed to fostering regional economic growth and an enviable quality of life for all our residents. Learn more at https://launchtnvalley.org/
About the Tennessee Valley Authority:
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems — including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas and advanced technologies. TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. Learn more at tva.com.
https://exchange.launchtnvalley.org