- August 13, 2025
Poarch Creek Indians Celebrate Graduates of Alabama Leadership Programs
Atmore, Ala. – The Poarch Creek Indians proudly recognizes Jessica Black, Marketing Director for PCI Federal and first generation Poarch Creek descendant, along with Cody Williamson, President/CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority and a Poarch Creek Tribal Citizen, for successfully completing leadership programs through Leadership Alabama. This prestigious organization provides leaders with exposure to the state’s issues, helps develop a network of relationships, and offers a structure for this network to seek a mutual understanding of problems and priorities for Alabama’s future.
Jessica Black recently graduated in April from the Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI), a program under the Leadership Alabama umbrella designed for emerging leaders and early-career professionals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to their communities.
Cody Williamson recently graduated in May from Leadership Alabama, a highly selective, multi-month program that brings together established and executive leaders from various sectors to explore critical issues facing the state of Alabama.
“These programs are powerful tools for collaboration and growth,” said Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan. “We’re incredibly proud of Jessica and Cody for representing Poarch in these statewide leadership forums. Their participation not only strengthens their individual growth but also reinforces our Tribe’s commitment to public service and progress.”
“Leadership Alabama is represented by the state’s most accomplished and forward-thinking leaders who share a strong commitment to serving the people of Alabama. By assembling such a committed and accomplished group of leaders each year, the state is sure to benefit from their collective passion, knowledge, and influence,” said Ashley Kaplan, Leadership Alabama’s executive director.
Kaplan added, “The ALI program led by Lydia Barnett exposes young professionals to decision-makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state, and it provides the participants with the unique opportunity to step inside the circle of decision-makers and problem solvers who mold the future of our state.”
The Alabama Leadership Initiative and Leadership Alabama offer participants a chance to engage in dialogue around pressing challenges, connect with decision-makers, and develop strategies to make a meaningful difference across Alabama. Both programs require significant time and dedication, including travel and in-depth sessions over the course of several months.
“These accomplishments speak volumes about who we are as a Tribe,” Chairwoman Bryan added. “We invest in our people, and they, in turn, invest back into their communities.”
Contact:
Kristin Hellmich
communicationsinfo@pci-nsn.gov
(251) 359-8554
About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.