​The Leadership Central Kentucky program is proud to introduce the newest class of regional leaders, who will begin the program with an orientation retreat August 18-19 at the Historic Boone Tavern in Madison County. Entering its 25th year, Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) remains dedicated to developing and connecting leaders across the region who are committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and regional perspective.
 
Presented by Kentucky Utilities, Leadership Central Kentucky is a regional leadership development program designed for established leaders across Central Kentucky who are ready to expand their impact beyond their own organizations and communities. The program takes participants through monthly sessions across the eight-county region of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. Each session explores key issues shaping Central Kentucky—including transportation, education, economic development, public advocacy, quality of life, and agri-tourism—through expert speakers, engaging tours, hands-on activities, and peer-to-peer discussions.

​Since 1979, Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Lexington program presented by Community Trust Bank has been cultivating Lexington leaders, producing more than 1,900 graduates from this impactful leadership development program. Participants of the program have impacted our city in areas such as public art, youth mentoring, business leadership, nutrition, healthy living, hunger relief, community engagement and more.
 
The Leadership Lexington Steering Committee is proud to announce the new Leadership Lexington class for 2026-27 comprised of 52 individuals from a variety of segments across the Lexington community.  The program provides participants with 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 class members to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.  

Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to recognize the latest class of graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Lexington program presented by Community Trust Bank.  Since 1979, this nationally recognized leadership development program has been cultivating Lexington leaders, producing more than 1,800 graduates from this impactful leadership development program that has enhanced our city in areas such as youth mentoring, public art, healthy living, hunger relief, community engagement, and more.
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Commerce Lexington’s Director of Leadership Development, Tyra Harbut, said, “The Leadership Lexington Class of 2026 is an engaged, collaborative, and community-minded group of leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to personal and professional growth throughout the program year. The class members brought a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents to each session, creating thoughtful conversations, meaningful project ideas, and valuable connections along the way. Their passion for leadership, service, and the future of our kids and the community has been inspiring, and we are excited to see the impact they will continue to make in Lexington!”

​The 2025- 2026 Leadership Lexington class experienced an unforgettable Equine Day on May 14, 2026, highlighting why the horse industry is such a defining part of Central Kentucky’s identity and economy. As was proven throughout the day, and stated by Steering Committee Member Hallie Hardy, “No one does horses like Central Kentucky.”

​The day began at Keeneland just in time for morning works for thoroughbreds on the track.  Class participants were able to watch horses work right from the rail before engaging in roundtable discussions that showcased the many layers of Lexington culture and hospitality. Conversations ranged from the economics of the industry to learning the basics of how to wager at the races, giving participants a broader understanding of the people, traditions, and experiences that shape Kentucky’s equine community.

Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to recognize the latest class of graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Central Kentucky program presented by Kentucky Utilities.  Since its inception 26 years ago, this regional leadership program has helped to build a network of informed citizens connected across the eight-county region, including Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford counties. Curriculum provides leadership development, education on issues facing Greater Lexington, relationship-building opportunities, and a chance to gain awareness of the uniqueness of each county within the region.

Director of Leadership Development, Tyra Harbut, said, “It is my honor to congratulate our Leadership Central Kentucky graduates. This class is a strong collection of 29 regional leaders that was very engaged from start to finish. The discussions we had, and ideas shared made it a special group as we learned about each individual county and how they impacted the Greater Lexington region. I am humbled and honored to be surrounded by such encouraging and inspiring leaders every day in this position.”

“A veces, el mejor resultado es tu propia reflexión.” Sometimes, the most powerful outcome is your own self-reflection.
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​We began our People, Culture & Community Day not with comfort, but with disorientation. At Global Lex, FCPS Educator Leonel Ocasio stepped into the room and, without warning, began speaking entirely in Spanish. What followed was more than just a lesson. It was an experience. A classroom simulation designed to mirror the realities of immigrants and newcomer students navigating life in a new country.

Leadership Central KY’s Woodford County Day on March 18 began at The Kentucky Castle, where participants were welcomed with a panel led by Emily Downey of the Woodford County Chamber. Setting the tone for the day, local leaders emphasized that strong relationships are the foundation of growth. Mayor Laura Drake shared how Versailles is managing growth by holding firm to its urban service boundary, noting that many projects take years to come to fruition. Mayor Grayson Vandegrift highlighted Midway’s focus on increasing occupational tax revenue while lowering property taxes, while Judge Executive James Kay reinforced a jobs-first approach—prioritizing industrial development while keeping housing growth in check.
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Together, their insights painted a picture of a county thinking strategically about growth and sustainability. Woodford County currently has the lowest unemployment rate in the state, with about seventy-five percent of occupational tax paid by commuters. Like many communities, affordable housing remains complex, but local leaders are focusing on helping residents stay in their homes through targeted support programs. Following the discussion, the group toured The Kentucky Castle, learning more about its evolution into a unique destination that blends dining, events, and agriculture under its current ownership.