LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

NORA offers a Regional Leadership Academy designed to develop essential skills such as communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and team building. This program is tailored for emerging leaders, mid-level managers, and executives. The program gives participants a greater understanding of the regional assets and challenges.

2026 Leadership Academy Applications Now Open!

TESTIMONIALS

I have participated in many leadership programs, but NORA has been the most impactful by far. The experience was so inspiring that it shifted my career trajectory, leading me to my current role as the head of an organization where I can truly influence change, create meaningful impact, and bring greater value to Northeast Oklahoma.

Bridgette Nichols -Pryor Main Street Director

I attended Leadership prior to taking on my job as mayor. I will say having been part of other leadership classes, this was my favorite. The perspective that I gained for our special region was invaluable. I understand more of the dynamics of our region and why it's important for us to work in collaboration. I met others that I still have contact with today and made connections with businesses/entities which help me do my job better as a result.

Becki Farley - Mayor of Jay, Oklahoma

I heard about NORA and applied and was accepted into the third NORA Leadership Class in 2019. It was very interesting to learn about the growth and expansion of Northeastern Oklahoma. The collaboration between the cities and counties, businesses and coops (like Lake Region and GRDA), the Cherokee Nation, our education systems, and our elected officials have helped Northeast Oklahoma thrive and grow. I have taken what I learned in the NORA Leadership Class with me to the Capitol in Oklahoma City where I continue to be a strong voice for the people in my district. I highly recommend the NORA Leadership Class to anyone that shares my belief that we ALL need to learn as much as we can and serve our communities in any way we can.

Bob Ed Culver, State Representative -House District 4

I was privileged to participate in the inaugural NORA Leadership Academy in 2017. It was my first introduction to regionalism and its importance to Oklahoma. I gained a new respect for what we can accomplish together. We all love and admire our region and want to see it prosper and be the best place for the next generation to reside. We choose where to focus our efforts, and if we decide to concentrate as a group on the issues that make our region more robust and resilient, the goals are easier to obtain.

Another benefit of the academy was the people I met and networked with every month. Those relationships have proved beneficial over the years for guidance and direction. The NORA Leadership Academy would benefit anyone who calls Northeast Oklahoma home.

Glen Clark - General Manager/CEO, Lake Region Electric Coop