Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass
Expanding the capacity of emerging leaders to perform in leadership roles within Central Kentucky
Upcoming Events & Programming
Own Your Career
Tuesday, May 17 | 4 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Azur Restaurant & Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Cir #550, Lexington, KY 40513
Our panel discussion focused on career advancement will feature Candra Bryant (Chief Operating Officer of Hanna Resource Group), Ray Clere (Director of University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center) and April Spellman (Manager of People and Culture at Gray Solutions). Dedicated time for networking to follow the panel with an opportunity for you to share your own career history as well as career ambitions with other emerging leaders in attendance. Please RSVP to Diana Wilson if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, May 17 | 4 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Azur Restaurant & Patio, 3070 Lakecrest Cir #550, Lexington, KY 40513
Our panel discussion focused on career advancement will feature Candra Bryant (Chief Operating Officer of Hanna Resource Group), Ray Clere (Director of University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center) and April Spellman (Manager of People and Culture at Gray Solutions). Dedicated time for networking to follow the panel with an opportunity for you to share your own career history as well as career ambitions with other emerging leaders in attendance. Please RSVP to Diana Wilson if you plan to attend.
LOOKING FOR ELBG STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
The Steering Committee for Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass offers a unique opportunity for up-and-comers in your organization and the community to take on a volunteer service role requiring them to learn hands-on leadership skills as they work with Commerce Lexington to plan and execute programming.
Expectations for Steering Committee members:
We are looking for our Steering Committee members to make their commitment to Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass a priority. This means attending full committee meetings, which generally fall twice a year. The committee breaks into smaller sub-committees to plan different aspects of the program. Committee Members are expected to sign up for one sub-committee and attend those meetings as they are scheduled. The sub-committees include:
Steering Committee sub-committees work on programming for the following areas:
- Professional Development (ex. lunch and learns with speaker, trainings and interactive workshops)
- Community Education (“know your community events” where we will go in depth about an issue facing
the community/region)
- Mentoring (we have an official mentoring program and we also have seasoned leader talks where a
leader in the community tells his/her story and lessons learned. This bucket is all about access to
leaders in the community.)
Please contact Amy Stout if you would like to serve.
The Steering Committee for Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass offers a unique opportunity for up-and-comers in your organization and the community to take on a volunteer service role requiring them to learn hands-on leadership skills as they work with Commerce Lexington to plan and execute programming.
Expectations for Steering Committee members:
We are looking for our Steering Committee members to make their commitment to Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass a priority. This means attending full committee meetings, which generally fall twice a year. The committee breaks into smaller sub-committees to plan different aspects of the program. Committee Members are expected to sign up for one sub-committee and attend those meetings as they are scheduled. The sub-committees include:
Steering Committee sub-committees work on programming for the following areas:
- Professional Development (ex. lunch and learns with speaker, trainings and interactive workshops)
- Community Education (“know your community events” where we will go in depth about an issue facing
the community/region)
- Mentoring (we have an official mentoring program and we also have seasoned leader talks where a
leader in the community tells his/her story and lessons learned. This bucket is all about access to
leaders in the community.)
Please contact Amy Stout if you would like to serve.
ELBG and Mentoring
Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills mentees can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond. Ultimately the practice of mentoring benefits the community because we are investing in children, students and young professionals who are Lexington’s future leaders. Hear from emerging leader, Emily Rice (below), about her successful mentoring experience.
Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills mentees can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond. Ultimately the practice of mentoring benefits the community because we are investing in children, students and young professionals who are Lexington’s future leaders. Hear from emerging leader, Emily Rice (below), about her successful mentoring experience.
Highlights from Past ELBG Events
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass kicked off a new year for Annual Pass holders with A Day at the Races at Keeneland
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass celebrated the new passholder year at Keeneland on Thursday, April 21. Annual Pass holders enjoyed an afternoon of racing in the historic Keeneland Clubhouse, behind the scenes insight and the economic impact of the Race Meet from Keeneland’s Dean Roethemeier, a tour of the grounds with a Keeneland tour guide, a meeting with a Keeneland BETologist and more.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass celebrated the new passholder year at Keeneland on Thursday, April 21. Annual Pass holders enjoyed an afternoon of racing in the historic Keeneland Clubhouse, behind the scenes insight and the economic impact of the Race Meet from Keeneland’s Dean Roethemeier, a tour of the grounds with a Keeneland tour guide, a meeting with a Keeneland BETologist and more.

Emerging Leaders in Nonprofit Leadership
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland gathered for an informal panel featuring nonprofit leaders who just happen to be emerging leaders on Thursday, February 17th at 4pm at The Campbell House. Attendees learned about the nonprofit leaders’ varying challenges and opportunities, especially in light of the pandemic with many of them new to their leadership roles. They also discussed how to get involved with local nonprofits and what leaders look for in volunteers and board members. The panel was moderated by Timothy Johnson, President & CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass. Panelists included Chaquenta Neal, Executive Director of FoodChain, Tony Higgins, President/CEO Opportunity for Work & Learning, and Lori Clemons, Executive Director at Arbor Youth Services.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland gathered for an informal panel featuring nonprofit leaders who just happen to be emerging leaders on Thursday, February 17th at 4pm at The Campbell House. Attendees learned about the nonprofit leaders’ varying challenges and opportunities, especially in light of the pandemic with many of them new to their leadership roles. They also discussed how to get involved with local nonprofits and what leaders look for in volunteers and board members. The panel was moderated by Timothy Johnson, President & CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass. Panelists included Chaquenta Neal, Executive Director of FoodChain, Tony Higgins, President/CEO Opportunity for Work & Learning, and Lori Clemons, Executive Director at Arbor Youth Services.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass “Take Charge of Your Career”
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland is hosted Dr. Karen Hill, a popular breakout session presenter from our Emerge conference, for a professional development session entitled "Take Charge of Your Career." She covered common career topics such as tips for networking as well as leadership lessons learned from her own successful career. Karen Hill, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, retired in April as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Lexington. Dr. Hill oversees operations in the hospital and outpatient centers with over 3000 employees.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass presented by Keeneland is hosted Dr. Karen Hill, a popular breakout session presenter from our Emerge conference, for a professional development session entitled "Take Charge of Your Career." She covered common career topics such as tips for networking as well as leadership lessons learned from her own successful career. Karen Hill, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, retired in April as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Lexington. Dr. Hill oversees operations in the hospital and outpatient centers with over 3000 employees.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Lex Leader Talk with Shannon Bishop Arvin, Keeneland
This series features prominent local leaders interviewed by emerging leaders. Leadership and learning go hand in hand and our community’s most interesting leaders have leadership lessons to share on pivoting, leading through change and failing forward. Find out more about these headline-makers’ backgrounds, careers, community impact and plans for the future. Interviewed by Keeneland’s Employee Engagement Manager Betsy May, Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Steering Committee.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
This series features prominent local leaders interviewed by emerging leaders. Leadership and learning go hand in hand and our community’s most interesting leaders have leadership lessons to share on pivoting, leading through change and failing forward. Find out more about these headline-makers’ backgrounds, careers, community impact and plans for the future. Interviewed by Keeneland’s Employee Engagement Manager Betsy May, Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Steering Committee.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Lex Talk About Mentoring
This community education event highlighted mentoring programs and relationships that lead to individual success. Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills mentees can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond. Ultimately the practice of mentoring benefits the community because we are investing in children, students and young professionals who are Lexington’s future leaders.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
This community education event highlighted mentoring programs and relationships that lead to individual success. Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills mentees can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond. Ultimately the practice of mentoring benefits the community because we are investing in children, students and young professionals who are Lexington’s future leaders.
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Lex Talk About Culinary Culture & Diversity
Lex Talk About: Local Food Culture and Diversity featured a discussion on the many ingredients that go into making Lexington’s diverse and inclusive food culture. The event provided unique perspectives and challenges faced by immigrant restaurateurs in transforming the Lexington food scene over the year and gave insight into how our group can support these local restaurants and the food industry. Moderated by Vanessa Grossl, who is a post-baccalaureate student at the University of Kentucky studying social and cultural entrepreneurialism and founder of Glocal: Globally Inspired Local Solutions, the event spotlighted the following restaurant owners and chefs: David Laurenvil (Beach House Coffee and Tapas), Mamadou Savané (Sav’s Restaurant & Gourmet Ice Cream/Sav’s Chill), and Tomoka Logan (School Sushi).
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Lex Talk About: Local Food Culture and Diversity featured a discussion on the many ingredients that go into making Lexington’s diverse and inclusive food culture. The event provided unique perspectives and challenges faced by immigrant restaurateurs in transforming the Lexington food scene over the year and gave insight into how our group can support these local restaurants and the food industry. Moderated by Vanessa Grossl, who is a post-baccalaureate student at the University of Kentucky studying social and cultural entrepreneurialism and founder of Glocal: Globally Inspired Local Solutions, the event spotlighted the following restaurant owners and chefs: David Laurenvil (Beach House Coffee and Tapas), Mamadou Savané (Sav’s Restaurant & Gourmet Ice Cream/Sav’s Chill), and Tomoka Logan (School Sushi).
VISIT HERE TO WATCH
Did You Miss These Growth Opportunities?
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic ELBG has taken our events virtually. Sign up now and purchase your annual Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass access pass to participate in upcoming events.
OTHER PAST EMERGING LEADERS OF THE BLUEGRASS EVENTS:
Emerging Leaders in Nonprofit Leadership
2-Part Stress Management Program
Wild Health Founder, Dr. Matt Dawson
"Introverts in Leadership" with Todd Stoltzfus,University of Kentucky
A Morning at Keeneland’s Yearling Sale
Intrapreneruship Lunch and Learn with Awesome Inc.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Networking Happy Hour
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Presents "Policy and Pints"
2021-2022 Season Kickoff - A Morning at Keeneland
"Lex Leader Talk" with Shannon Bishop Arvin, Keeneland
"Lex Talk About Mentoring"
"Get Your Groove Back – How to Prevent or Re-Energize After Burnout"
"Lex Leader Talk" Series Featuring Ray Daniels (Equity Solutions Group)
“Lex Talk About Housing Affordability,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
“Perseverance” facilitated by Crinda Franke with ExecuTrain
“Leading Yourself”, part of the Leading in Lex Series with Dr. Virgil Grant
“Lex Talk About Voting”, part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
“Maximizing Productivity” facilitated by Mark Little with ExecuTrain
“Staying Balanced in a Shifting World” facilitated by Nancy Piatt with ExecuTrain
"Leading in the Community" to help people explore opportunities for service to the community.
"The Enneagram Workshop" facilitated by Dr. Virgil Grant.
“Leading in the Community,” part of the Leading in Lex Series
“Lex Talk About Culinary Culture & Diversity,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic ELBG has taken our events virtually. Sign up now and purchase your annual Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass access pass to participate in upcoming events.
OTHER PAST EMERGING LEADERS OF THE BLUEGRASS EVENTS:
Emerging Leaders in Nonprofit Leadership
2-Part Stress Management Program
Wild Health Founder, Dr. Matt Dawson
"Introverts in Leadership" with Todd Stoltzfus,University of Kentucky
A Morning at Keeneland’s Yearling Sale
Intrapreneruship Lunch and Learn with Awesome Inc.
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Networking Happy Hour
Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass Presents "Policy and Pints"
2021-2022 Season Kickoff - A Morning at Keeneland
"Lex Leader Talk" with Shannon Bishop Arvin, Keeneland
"Lex Talk About Mentoring"
"Get Your Groove Back – How to Prevent or Re-Energize After Burnout"
"Lex Leader Talk" Series Featuring Ray Daniels (Equity Solutions Group)
“Lex Talk About Housing Affordability,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
“Perseverance” facilitated by Crinda Franke with ExecuTrain
“Leading Yourself”, part of the Leading in Lex Series with Dr. Virgil Grant
“Lex Talk About Voting”, part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
“Maximizing Productivity” facilitated by Mark Little with ExecuTrain
“Staying Balanced in a Shifting World” facilitated by Nancy Piatt with ExecuTrain
"Leading in the Community" to help people explore opportunities for service to the community.
"The Enneagram Workshop" facilitated by Dr. Virgil Grant.
“Leading in the Community,” part of the Leading in Lex Series
“Lex Talk About Culinary Culture & Diversity,” part of the Lex Talk About Lex Series
Follow Us!