Emerging Leaders in Conservation ELC Logo

Emerging Leaders in Conservation (ELC)

The Emerging Leaders in Conservation (ELC) Initiative empowers the next generation of conservation champions with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to build a sustainable and resilient future for Alabama. With fewer than 10 years of service in their positions, our Advisors, Supervisors, District employees and NRCS employees form networking cohorts to build upon each other’s experiences and grow together. Our participants receive hands-on leadership training for two years, and the chance to make a lasting impact in conservation across the state.

Applications for the next cohort open now!
Deadline to apply: August 14, 2026

Apply Here

Objectives

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Personal Leadership

Knowing yourself through self-reflection and understanding the principles of leadership to empower and inspire others.

Professional Growth

Building upon knowledge of our organization and improving communication through collaboration and partnerships to increase efforts and success.

Policy and Education

Developing a deep understanding of conservation policy and legislative frameworks to advocate for meaningful change and drive sustainable progress.

Our Emerging Leaders in Conservation

A man wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, blue suit, blue shirt, and green tie with a pattern, stands smiling in front of white columns.

Emmanuel Bankston

Area V
Henry County

A man with a short beard and short hair, wearing a gray suit, blue shirt, and red-and-white striped tie, stands smiling in front of large white columns outside a building.

Zach Brannon

Area I
Winston County

A man in a gray suit with a red and blue striped tie smiles while standing in front of large white columns.

Darren Beachem

Area IV
Bullock County

A man in a dark suit, patterned tie, and light blue shirt stands in front of white columns, outdoors, with a building and flags visible in the background.

Matthew Bentley

Area I
Morgan County

A man in a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie stands in front of a white building with tall columns, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

Chad Christian

Area III
Tuscaloosa County

A woman with wavy brown hair wearing large hoop earrings and a blue blouse with white patterns stands smiling in front of white columns.

Andrea Crain

Area I
Madison County

A man with short dark hair and a beard is smiling, wearing a blue suit, patterned tie, and striped shirt, standing in front of tall white columns.

Will Gotcher

Area I
Colbert County

A man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, stands outside in front of white columns and a sunny building in the background.

Mitchell Henry

Area I
Lawrence County

A man with short dark hair and a beard smiles while wearing a blue dress shirt and a gray plaid blazer, standing in front of white columns outdoors.

Justin House

Area VI
Monroe County

A man with a full beard, wearing a blue suit, pink paisley tie, and pink shirt, stands in front of a white building with large columns.

Darrell McGuire

Area IV
Dallas County

A man wearing a light gray cowboy hat, blue suit, blue shirt, and red paisley tie smiles in front of white columns.

Cameron Smith

Area VI
Conecuh County

A smiling man in a gray suit, blue tie, and checkered shirt stands outside in front of white columns. He is wearing a pin on his lapel and the background suggests a formal or governmental building.

Jamie Vann

Area I
Madison County

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Nine men dressed in business casual and western attire sit in a semi-circle on a stage with American and Alabama flags in the background. Blue lighting highlights the scene.
A group of around sixteen people, some wearing cowboy hats, pose and smile together on a balcony overlooking a body of water on a cloudy day. There are power lines and a concrete building in the background.
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