CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Commissioner Kelly Duke hopes a new North Alabama leadership program will help the county learn from neighboring communities and build relationships that could bring future opportunities home.
Duke is one of four Cullman County participants in the inaugural class of The Exchange, a Launch Regional Partnership initiative supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The nine-month program brings together 29 leaders from 13 North Alabama counties for five sessions across the region.
The opening session took place Sept. 22-23 in Decatur and Morgan County. The Cullman County Commission announced Duke’s participation on its Facebook page.
Joining Duke are Cullman City Council President Kim Hall, Cullman Regional Airport Director Ben Harrison and Wallace State Community College Dean of Applied Technologies Jerry Murcks.
Duke said Launch board members selected the four local participants to provide a cross-section of government, small business, education, economic development and workforce development.
“I felt like this would be a great opportunity to connect with leaders in North Alabama to see what other counties are doing to better their communities, and to grow as a leader of this county,” Duke said.
The University of North Alabama’s Office of Regional Engagement developed and is delivering the program.
Sessions included discussions, site visits and opportunities for participants to learn from one another, with subjects including health care, tourism, workforce training and entrepreneurship.
Duke said the work of the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center, known as The E-Center, stood out during the opening session.
“I believe their ability to collaborate together has benefited the citizens of Morgan county,” Duke said.
The E-Center helps people start and grow businesses through coaching, counseling, mentoring and education. It also offers office space and shared resources.
Duke said he wants to learn more about the center and sees cooperation among Cullman County’s municipalities as a way to benefit the broader community.
Asked which county need, particularly in rural communities, might benefit most from regional cooperation, Duke emphasized learning what has worked elsewhere rather than identifying a specific issue.
“We will be able to learn from their success and failures,” Duke said.
He said the first session had led to connections or opportunities he plans to pursue, although he did not identify them in his response. His goals extend beyond the program’s nine months.
“What I would like to accomplish stretches far beyond the nine month program,” Duke said. “I hope the relationships we build will be beneficial for years to come.”
Duke said those relationships could eventually lead someone to recommend Cullman County for a project that does not fit another community.
He said the Cullman County Commission will cover his registration and travel costs. His response did not include the amounts.
Asked how he plans to share what he learns with the commission and residents, Duke said he hopes to have opportunities to demonstrate that learning through his contributions to the community.
Duke has also participated in statewide county leadership work.
The Tribune reported in September 2025 that he was elected to the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s 2025-2026 Legislative Committee to represent Cullman County and help develop its agenda for the 2026 legislative session.
More information about The Exchange is available at https://exchange.launchtnvalley.org.
