As a new graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, NETL’s Anthony Armaly has acquired valuable tools and perspectives and created an expanded network of contacts to promote and implement Lab initiatives across Appalachia.

Armaly became one of 40 fellows on Nov. 19 to graduate from the inaugural class of the institute, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The ARC is a federal program that serves 13 states and 420 counties from southern New York to northern Mississippi. ARC’s mission is to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

“My time in the program has been outstanding. The networking and ability to learn from the diverse perspectives of leaders across Appalachia is something I will be able to utilize for the rest of my career,” said Armaly, manager of Global Partnerships and federal coordinator of the NETL Regional Workforce Initiative.

“Completing this training has provided me with new, fresh ideas that I can apply to my work in economic and workforce development for the U.S. Department of Energy. I look forward to networking and continuing the conversation with not only this class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, but with future classes as well,” Armaly said.

In the year leading up to graduation, Armaly participated in three in-person sessions and eight months of virtual programming, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and networking skills needed to create positive change in their communities. Armaly was one of three fellows representing Pennsylvania in the inaugural class.

As a graduate of the institute, Armaly joins the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to expand by connecting leaders and facilitating continued learning and the exchange of ideas across the Appalachian states.

The new fellows took part in a virtual graduation due to COVID-19.ARC’s Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas, as well as Appalachian governors from Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee, provided congratulatory remarks for the fellows.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory develops and commercializes advanced technologies that provide reliable and affordable solutions to America’s energy challenges. NETL’s work supports DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States.