Fostering Resilience Through a Leadership Development Program

The states bordering the Gulf of Mexico have endured a number of challenges to their economic, environmental, and social resilience over the last ten years. Issues such as the tri-state water wars, Hurricane Katrina, Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the economic downturn have challenged these communities and their ability to move forward. Through application of a qualitative case study, using narrative interviews, the researcher seeks to investigate the effects of resilient leadership development in a Gulf coast community. Working to enhance leadership through a leadership development program designed to meet specific group needs, is it possible to create resilient leaders in these communities? The implications for this research could guide the facilitation and development of resilience in communities impacted by environmental and economic challenges.