Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley has been named to Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2014.

In September, Hadley will join 55 private and nonprofit leaders from the metro Atlanta area to study the region's major opportunities and challenges.

"This leadership program brings together people who are already leaders in their local communities and helps them see things through a regional and national lens," said Doug Hooker, ARC executive director. "RLI helps community leaders reach across jurisdictional lines and develop the strong ties necessary for a regional stewardship network. This type of regional vision and cooperation is critical for the future of the Atlanta region."

Developed in 1991, RLI is a weeklong leadership immersion program in which experienced and emerging leaders from the Atlanta region learn more about local and national trends and key issues, and share experiences and knowledge relevant to advancing the Atlanta region. Since its inception, more than 1,000 leaders have participated in the program.

"I am honored to represent Rockdale at the RLI and look forward to learning how our county can benefit from economic growth in the metro region," said Hadley.