The Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. The ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the president. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. The thirteen states that comprise ARC are: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Scott Hamilton
HRS recruited Scott Hamilton, an economic development professional from North Carolina, in 2014 to serve as the Executive Director. During his tenure, he led a staff of more than 55 to invest nearly $675 million to support education and workforce training, highway construction, water and sewer system construction, leadership development, small business start-ups and expansions, energy and health. HRS also recruited ARC’s Inspector General and other senior project directors involved in business and entrepreneurship.
Scott was recruited by the Golden Leaf Foundation in 2019 to serve as President and CEO.