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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) is a regional leadership program seeking to build a network of informed citizens connected across community lines. Curriculum provides leadership development, education on issues facing the region, relationship-building opportunities, and a chance to gain awareness of the uniqueness of each county making up the region.

The Leadership Central Kentucky Foundation is a nonprofit organization that partners with Commerce Lexington to administer the program.
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APPLY NOW
Participating counties include: Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford.

MISSION: 
Leadership Central Kentucky is a regional program seeking to build a network of informed citizens connected across community lines. Curriculum includes leadership development, education on issues facing the region, relationship-building and awareness of uniqueness of each county. The counties involved are Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. 
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must either work or live in any of the following eight counties: Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. The class will be made up of individuals who work across many sectors, including business, education, the arts, religion, government, and community-based organizations. Preference will be given to individuals who have successfully completed a local leadership programs.
What is the time commitment to participate?
The program begins in August with a mandatory orientation. After that, the program consists of full-day sessions the third Wednesday of each month, September through May. The day sessions are hosted in different Central Kentucky counties each month, times and locations will be provided in advance. 

Program Schedule:
Thursday and Friday, August 21 & 22, 2025 - Mandatory Orientation Retreat
Day Sessions:
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 17, 2025
January 14, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
**April 15, 2026- 4th Wednesday of the month
May 20, 2026 – Reflection/Graduation Day
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the county. Once in the county, bus transportation is provided between venues. 

Day sessions will last an average of eight hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Any participant missing more than two regular full day sessions, in half-day increments, will not graduate from the program.
What is the timeline for applications?
Applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Central Kentucky Class open on Monday, May 19th and close Friday, June 13th.
APPLY NOW
What goes into the selection process?
Participants will be chosen by the Leadership Central Kentucky Board based upon the information completed on the application. They will be seeking a diverse class based on profession, geographic location, ethnically and gender. 

Attention is taken to reflect the diversity of the Bluegrass Region’s communities. 

​The Leadership Central Kentucky Board seeks to identify those individuals most likely to utilize their regional leadership abilities for a long-term benefit.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for Leadership Central Kentucky is $1,500. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. If financial assistance is sought please attach a letter officially requesting a scholarship and stating your reasons. The scholarship request must accompany the completed application to be considered. Requests for scholarship assistance are completely confidential. (Note: no full scholarships are awarded.) ​
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
  • Broaden perspectives and understanding of the Bluegrass Region
  • Meet local, regional and state leaders
  • Develop and expand network of contacts
  • Visit county sites and facilities
  • Gain exposure to both current county and regional issues and developments
  • Build friendships and working relationships with class members
Board of Directors
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PRESENTED BY:
LG&E KU logo
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Columbia Gas logo
Hunt Brothers logo
Toyota KY logo
Bluegrass Community Hospital logo
Bourbon Community Hospital logo
Clark Regional logo
Georgetown Hospital logo
GOLD SPONSOR:
Traditional Bank logo
SILVER SPONSORS:
Ale-8-One logo
BCTC logo
Community Ventures logo
Country Boy logo

    Get Updates About Leadership Central Kentucky

Submit
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Contact us:
​

Tyra Harbut,
Commerce Lexington | ​Director, Leadership Development
[email protected]
​859.226.1610

Copyright © 2025 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Business & Education Network
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Board
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Regional Plan
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • International Trip
    • EMERGE >
      • EMERGE Sessions
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Past Trips >
        • Salt Lake City 2024
        • Grand Rapids 2023
        • Tampa-St. Pete 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
      • Impact
    • Regional Summit >
      • Regional Summit Agenda
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Nominate a Business
      • Past Award Winners
  • Connect
    • Become a Member
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass
    • Leadership Development >
      • Leadership Lexington >
        • Leadership Lexington Alumni Association
        • Leadership Lexington Projects 2024-25
      • Leadership Central Kentucky >
        • Class Roster
        • LCK Alumni
    • Ambassador Program
  • FOUNDATION