NORLI Accepting Applications for the Leadership Class of 2027

Written By Alicia Vial

The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute’s ten-month program develops and connects leaders committed to strengthening Southeast Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS  — The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious leadership development program, set to begin in August 2026. Leaders from business, civic, nonprofit and public sectors across the ten-parish region—including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Sr. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington—are encouraged to apply to join the Class of 2027.

Each year, NORLI selects approximately 50 emerging and established leaders for an immersive 10-month experience designed to build regional awareness, foster collaboration and inspire meaningful change. Through a combination of networking, hands-on learning and expert-led discussions, participants will explore key issues shaping Southeast Louisiana, including education, health care, public policy, environment, economic development, inclusive leadership, criminal justice and arts and culture.

“For more than 25 years, our program has served as a transformative experience for leaders across Southeast Louisiana,” said Stephen Reuther, Executive Director of NORLI. “Built on the principles of regionalism, inclusion and nonpartisanship, NORLI connects leaders with high-level discussions, thought leaders and policymakers who are shaping the future of our region.”

The Class of 2027 will begin with an orientation event in August 2026 and conclude in June 2027. The program includes opening and closing retreats to foster connection and strategic thinking. As well as eight monthly session days which feature behind-the-scenes facility tours, expert panels and interactive discussions on regional challenges and opportunities.

Interested individuals can apply online at www.norli.org. The deadline to apply is May 8, 2026. The program’s tuition is $3,600 which includes all program costs, materials, meals and lodging. Financial assistance such as tuition assistance and flexible payment plans are available.  Interested applicants can schedule a personal meeting with Executive Director Stephen Reuther at info@norli.org to learn more.

For more information about NORLI, visit norli.org or connect with NORLI on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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About the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute:
The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing community leaders the opportunity to identify, collaborate and address key issues for the betterment of the Greater New Orleans Region. NORLI’s mission is to cultivate and connect inclusive leaders that are civic-minded and committed to improving the Greater New Orleans Region. NORLI’s vision is for the Greater New Orleans Region to be a place of inspiration and opportunity empowered through leadership, partnership, and culture.

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Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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