Arkansas Leadership Program Celebrates 40 Years of Impact

A leadership program born in Conway, Arkansas four decades ago is still changing lives and strengthening communities across the nation.

The Community Development Institute recently celebrated its 40th anniversary at the University of Central Arkansas. What started as a local initiative has grown to seven locations nationwide, training thousands of community leaders and economic development professionals.

Entergy Arkansas (formerly Arkansas Power & Light) helped launch CDI back in 1986 and never stopped investing in its mission. The company has graduated over 30 employees through the program, including two this year alone.

The training goes beyond classroom learning. CDI equips leaders with real strategies to attract businesses, create jobs, and build vibrant communities where people want to live and work.

Each graduating class votes for their most impactful classmate to receive the Earnst Whitelaw Award, named after an early AP&L employee who helped father the program. Tannella Gauthreaux-Foster earned the honor in 2026, while Amanda Killingsworth received it the year before.

Entergy's involvement runs deep throughout the organization. Danny Games, vice president of business and economic development, serves as a speaker and helps guide the program's direction. Tandee White, Chris Wasson, and retired executive Bill Luther also serve as class directors and advisory board members.

The company sponsors scholarships so community representatives can attend regardless of their budget. This ensures small towns and underserved areas get the same leadership development as bigger, wealthier communities.

The Ripple Effect

Every CDI graduate returns home with fresh ideas and proven strategies. They attract new businesses to their towns, help existing companies grow, and create opportunities for residents who might otherwise leave for bigger cities.

The network effect multiplies the impact. Alumni share best practices, connect companies across regions, and solve problems together. One leader's success story becomes a roadmap for dozens of other communities.

Arkansas communities are already seeing the results. Towns that struggled economically now have growing downtowns, new employers, and young families choosing to stay and build their futures locally.

The partnership between Entergy and CDI shows what happens when businesses invest in building strong communities instead of just operating in them. Forty years of consistent support has created a legacy of thriving towns and empowered leaders who know how to keep the momentum going.