2025-26 Leadership Lexington Class Celebrates Graduation

​On Thursday, June 4, the 2025-26 Class of Leadership Lexington gathered at the William T. Young Campus Center at Transylvania University for a time to reflect on their ten-month journey together, growing as leaders, giving back to the community and developing lifelong friendships, all under the guidance and direction of Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Development Director, Tyra Harbut. 
 
Prior to the graduation ceremony the class spent time in discussion about their learnings throughout the year. From Public Safety and Education to Economic Development and the Arts, the class was introduced to numerous organizations and individuals who contribute to the vibrancy of our great city. Graduates shared how much they learned with many people echoing the sentiment that despite being lifelong Lexingtonians or living and leading in Lexington for some time, they learned so much more about their city as they discovered many new things and observed all it has to offer.

​Members enjoyed the Leadership Development sessions held at the beginning of the season by Dr. Virgil Grant, LifePlan and StratOp Guide, as well as Megan Holley-Slaughter and Davonna Saier from Sutherland & Associates, and on Graduation Day by Jason Cummins from Horizon Performance. They also shared that the community created within the class was fantastic and Steering Committee Chair Miranda Scully proclaimed the group the “Most Authentic Class Ever.” As photo collages and video montages played on large screens throughout the space, classmates giggled, smiled and remembered all the moments they will take with them as their journeys continue.

Much of the day was spent celebrating the four group projects completed by this year’s cohort.  “Birdie Buddies of the Bluegrass,” under the direction of Shane Burks, led a group of deserving young people on a 12-week mentorship program through the game of golf in partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass. TJ Maxberry’s project “GenLex” created a financial literacy program for high school students with special partnership from UK Federal Credit Union including a fund-matching program to inspire good financial stewardship. Jay Phillips led his group “LexLandBank” as they did a deep dive into researching landbanks in Lexington and across the country to create educational resources for the community. And “LexSupport” led by Alex Degen created a video presentation in collaboration with Mahan Multimedia to celebrate the power of investment by the for-profit sector into the non-profit sector of our businesses and organizations. The four project teams shared their significant accomplishments and candidly discussed what advice they would give the next Leadership Lexington class to make their projects even stronger. The goal of serving the community and paying it forward definitely rang true.

The Graduation Ceremony featured a terrific keynote by Judge Melissa Moore Murphy who was then given the Leadership Lexington Distinguished Alumni Award. After the 50-member class came forward to receive their plaques from Commerce Lexington President & CEO Bob Quick along with Tyra Harbut, the 2026 Distinguished Leader Award was presented to TJ Maxberry. This special recognition is awarded to a member of the class, nominated by their peers. Following hugs and photos, the class enjoyed a celebratory reception hosted by the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association as they were welcomed into the “fraternity and sorority” of Lexington’s Leaders. No doubt, this group will continue to find many ways to lead, to serve and to give back to their community and they will always be “The Best Class Ever!”

Written by: Lyndy Franklin Smith