NRLI History

In 2002-2003, Fred McFarlane submitted and was awarded an RSA Training grant to establish a leadership development program for executives and management staff in the state’s VR program. The National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute (NRLI) Grant proposal was successful due in large part to Fred’s ability to establish connections and friendships with people who shared his belief that we can always do better for the people we serve.

Fred’s vision for the NRLI and its curriculum was that it would foster succeeding generations of VR Leaders competent in the areas related to the technical requirement of the VR program, managing a diverse workforce, leading organizational change, constituency building, and innovation.

An equally important part of Fred’s vision for the NRLI program was the idea that existing and future leaders of the VR Programs should be driven by a clear sense of purpose and intent. The notion being that at the end of the day, it is people who matter most.

2024 NRLI Cohort (caption)

2023 NRLI Cohort (caption)

\

2022 NRLI Cohort (caption)