Leadership Lexington
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Leadership Lexington has been operating as the premiere leadership development program for professionals in the greater Lexington area for more than 40 years. With a competitive application and selection process, the program allows just fifty class members annually. Leadership Lexington consists of ten, informative day-sessions which are organized and hosted by local leaders. These day sessions help to broaden perspectives and provide an increased understanding of community dynamics, signature industries, and public issues. Each class completes up to four community-based projects during the duration of the program. Projects are pitched and selected by the program participants at an immersive opening retreat. |
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MISSION: The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. Leadership Lexington is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
Applications for the 2025-26 class are now closed. For more information about the Leadership Lexington program check out the FAQs below or contact Tyra Harbut, Director of Leadership Development, at (859) 226-1610.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals who work in the Greater Lexington area are eligible to apply, and the program is open to both Commerce Lexington members, as well as non-members for an additional cost.
What is the time commitment to participate?
Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program that starts with an overnight Orientation Retreat in August. The program then consists of one full-day session, once a month from September until June. The overnight Orientation Retreat is mandatory.
Class participants are required to attend 80% of the day sessions in order to ‘graduate’ from the program.
Each year the class will complete up to four community projects. Project work is typically completed outside of the day sessions, which makes the Leadership Lexington experience a significant time commitment.
Class participants are required to attend 80% of the day sessions in order to ‘graduate’ from the program.
Each year the class will complete up to four community projects. Project work is typically completed outside of the day sessions, which makes the Leadership Lexington experience a significant time commitment.
What is the timeline for applications?
What goes into the selection process?
Once the application window closes, a Steering Committee comprised of Leadership Lexington Alumni score the applications. The program is incredibly competitive. Multiple steering committee members score each application based on applicant background, leadership experience, reason for participation, personal insights, and letters of support. Once all applications are scored, the committee compiles the applications in order of highest to lowest score and discuss any discrepancies in scoring. The class is selected by a combination of the scores given and the discussion that follows.
The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the cultural diversity of our city.
The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the cultural diversity of our city.
How much does it cost?
Commerce Lexington Member Rate: $2,500
Non-member Rate: $2,500 plus an additional fee.
Contact us for more information.
Non-member Rate: $2,500 plus an additional fee.
Contact us for more information.
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL: |
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Hear more about the impact Leadership Lexington from past participants.
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MEMBER TESTIMONIAL: |
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Leadership Lexington Application Tutorial
Learn from Selection Committee members about what they are looking for when they score Leadership Lexington applications. This video will provide guidance for you on each section of the application as well as answering general questions we often receive from applicants.
Learn from Selection Committee members about what they are looking for when they score Leadership Lexington applications. This video will provide guidance for you on each section of the application as well as answering general questions we often receive from applicants.
2024-25 PROGRAM SPONSORS:
PRESENTED BY:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
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ORIENTATION SPONSOR:
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HISTORY SPONSOR:
NAME BADGE SPONSOR:
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GOLD SPONSORS:
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Attention Leadership Lexington Alums: Help Us Stay Connected to You
The Leadership Lexington Alumni Association is ramping up! In order to make this association a success, we need all alums to submit updated contact information. If you are a graduate of Leadership Lexington, please send your updated information via e-mail to Dawn Flickinger.
Find out more at www.leadershiplexingtonalumni.com.
The Leadership Lexington Alumni Association is ramping up! In order to make this association a success, we need all alums to submit updated contact information. If you are a graduate of Leadership Lexington, please send your updated information via e-mail to Dawn Flickinger.
Find out more at www.leadershiplexingtonalumni.com.
LATEST SESSION: Leadership Lexington Class Explores Impact of Equine Industry
Recap by Sydney DeLong, WLEX-TV
Lexington's identity as the "Horse Capital of the World" came alive during our Leadership Lexington Equine Day in May, perfectly timed on the heels of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.
Our class couldn't have imagined a better start to the day, as we watched the morning workouts on the track with a rainbow shining above. Once inside Keeneland's Clubhouse, a diverse panel of industry leaders (at right) illuminated the thoroughbred sector's educational initiatives, workforce development, and community engagement efforts. Organizations like the Ed Brown Society, Taylor Made Farm's Stable Recovery, and Amplify Horse Racing demonstrated the industry's commitment to inclusion, education, and growth.
At Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, a family-owned facility for more than 140 years, we learned about cutting-edge veterinary care that supports equine athletes. The Kentucky Horse Park tour and Secretariat Center demonstration showcased the magnificent facilities that attract visitors worldwide while highlighting extraordinary thoroughbred aftercare programs.
At Spy Coast Farm, Stallion Manager Kent Barnes offered insight into the farm's specialization in sport horse reproduction, and team members gave the class a demonstration. The class also had the chance to get up close with a mare and foal. At Spendthrift Farm, the equine stars were shining. After a quick tour, the class was able to see 2020 Kentucky Derby Winner Authentic, Omaha Beach, Forte, and a sire making a name for himself, Into Mischief.
Perhaps the most exciting experience of the day was the Thoroughbred Sales Simulation at Keeneland's Sales Pavilion. This hands-on experience revealed the high-stakes business decisions that drive the industry's economic engine. Hearing tips and tricks from champion owner and trainer Kenny McPeek was the icing on the cake. The members of the Godolphin Flying Start program were incredible stewards of the industry, offering a wealth of knowledge to all of our questions.
Throughout the day, one message became clear: Lexington's equine industry represents the very soul of our community's identity. The rolling Bluegrass hills dotted with world-class horse farms aren't merely picturesque landscapes—they're living monuments to generations of horsemanship, tradition, and cultural heritage that define who we are as Lexingtonians.
As a Leadership Lexington class, we gained not just knowledge but a profound appreciation of what the equine industry represents and brings to our community. We came to understand that when we call ourselves the Horse Capital of the World, we're not just describing an industry but honoring a living heritage that continues to shape our collective identity, our international relationships, our landscapes, and ultimately our shared future as stewards of this uniquely Lexingtonian tradition.
Recap by Sydney DeLong, WLEX-TV
Lexington's identity as the "Horse Capital of the World" came alive during our Leadership Lexington Equine Day in May, perfectly timed on the heels of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.
Our class couldn't have imagined a better start to the day, as we watched the morning workouts on the track with a rainbow shining above. Once inside Keeneland's Clubhouse, a diverse panel of industry leaders (at right) illuminated the thoroughbred sector's educational initiatives, workforce development, and community engagement efforts. Organizations like the Ed Brown Society, Taylor Made Farm's Stable Recovery, and Amplify Horse Racing demonstrated the industry's commitment to inclusion, education, and growth.
At Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, a family-owned facility for more than 140 years, we learned about cutting-edge veterinary care that supports equine athletes. The Kentucky Horse Park tour and Secretariat Center demonstration showcased the magnificent facilities that attract visitors worldwide while highlighting extraordinary thoroughbred aftercare programs.
At Spy Coast Farm, Stallion Manager Kent Barnes offered insight into the farm's specialization in sport horse reproduction, and team members gave the class a demonstration. The class also had the chance to get up close with a mare and foal. At Spendthrift Farm, the equine stars were shining. After a quick tour, the class was able to see 2020 Kentucky Derby Winner Authentic, Omaha Beach, Forte, and a sire making a name for himself, Into Mischief.
Perhaps the most exciting experience of the day was the Thoroughbred Sales Simulation at Keeneland's Sales Pavilion. This hands-on experience revealed the high-stakes business decisions that drive the industry's economic engine. Hearing tips and tricks from champion owner and trainer Kenny McPeek was the icing on the cake. The members of the Godolphin Flying Start program were incredible stewards of the industry, offering a wealth of knowledge to all of our questions.
Throughout the day, one message became clear: Lexington's equine industry represents the very soul of our community's identity. The rolling Bluegrass hills dotted with world-class horse farms aren't merely picturesque landscapes—they're living monuments to generations of horsemanship, tradition, and cultural heritage that define who we are as Lexingtonians.
As a Leadership Lexington class, we gained not just knowledge but a profound appreciation of what the equine industry represents and brings to our community. We came to understand that when we call ourselves the Horse Capital of the World, we're not just describing an industry but honoring a living heritage that continues to shape our collective identity, our international relationships, our landscapes, and ultimately our shared future as stewards of this uniquely Lexingtonian tradition.
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