Jacksonville Leadership Academy

Established in 2022, the Jacksonville Leadership Academy seeks to develop community leaders by training and informing participants on a wide array of local public policy issues and concerns.

In-depth training sessions focus on these issues, exploring their background, origin and present-day status. The program covers a full slate of topics, including government, the area’s economy, education, social services and much more. The sessions combine lectures, tours, dialogue and interaction between speakers and participants.

For more information (501) 982-1511.

THE CHALLENGE

Strong communities depend on knowledgeable, engaged, and prepared leaders. Leadership does not happen by chance; it is developed through experience, education, and a strong understanding of the community.

THE pURPOSE

The purpose is to develop informed, engaged, and community-minded leaders who understand Jacksonville and are prepared to contribute to its continued growth and success. Through meaningful experiences and connections, participants gain the knowledge, relationships, and perspective to become strong advocates for our community. 

Through the program, participants will: 

  • Develop and strengthen their leadership skills and potential.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of Jacksonville’s businesses, organizations, resources, assets, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Build meaningful relationships with business, civic, military, education, and community leaders.
  • Discover the people, programs, industries, and institutions that contribute to Jacksonville’s success.
  • Become more actively engaged in community leadership, service, and civic involvement.
  • Serve as informed ambassadors who can showcase Jacksonville’s strengths, opportunities, and quality of life throughout Arkansas and beyond..

    accomplishing our objective

    Jacksonville Leadership Academy: Harvel Legacy provides participants with firsthand experiences that bring our community to life. Through presentations, tours, discussions, and direct engagement with local leaders, participants explore key areas including government, economic development, business, education, military, healthcare, infrastructure, social services, and quality of life. This comprehensive approach provides participants with a broader perspective of Jacksonville and a greater understanding of the partnerships and resources that help move our community forward

    Curriculum

    The curriculum may vary slightly from year to year, but a typical year’s sessions are as follows:

    1. Team Building
    2. Little Rock Port Authority
    3. Local City/County Government
    4. Economic and Workforce Development
    5. Health and Human Services
    6. State Government
    7. Education
    8. Tourism and Hospitality
    9. Military – Little Rock Air Force Base
    10. GraduatIion

     

      Applications are currently being accepted for 

      2027 Class IV

       

      Application Deadline October 2, 2026

      Click Here to Apply Today!

      Available Sponsor Opportunities listed below (click image to expand).

      Check out our graduation videos for a glimpse of what’s in store for our Leadership IV Class!

      Class I - Graduation Ceremony (ppt)
      Class II - Graduation Ceremony (video)
      Class III - Graduation Ceremony (video)

      What Our Members Say About Us

      "My father was instrumental in creating the Chamber of Commerce in 1948. Keep in mind that it wasn’t until a year later that he founded Jacksonville State Bank (now FAB&T). That fact demonstrates the value that my family and other community leaders saw in the need to create a bustling Chamber of Commerce in Jacksonville right from the start. The Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in many of Jacksonville’s successes, including the Little Rock Air Force Base and helping to secure our own school district. A healthy and vibrant chamber is critical to the success of any community, and we are so very grateful for the networking events and investment opportunities that the Chamber provides to our bank. We’ve been a member for 75 years and will be a member for many more years to come."

      Larry T. Wilson, Chairman and CEO of FAB&T

      "Working with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce has benefited me personally and professionally. Working as an Ex Officio member of the board has given me insight into this amazing city and helped create strong working relationships with civic-minded volunteers on the board. Membership in the Chamber has allowed Unity Health – Jacksonville the opportunity to be involved in the community we serve and hopefully to help draw even more organizations to Jacksonville to open businesses. Membership also brings awareness to our business in the community. As a relatively new organization in Jacksonville, some members of our community might not have known we were open without the support and promotion of the Chamber."

      Kevin Burton, MBA, Administrator at Unity Health | Jacksonville

      "We are so proud of Kathy, the staff and board members at our Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. They are doing an awesome job of promoting Jacksonville. We love the Chamber e-mail blasts too- they keep us up to date with all the good things going on in Jacksonville. Great Job Chamber of Commerce team!"

      Mark Goodsell, Owner of Goodsell Truck Accessories