Leadership Central Kentucky Explores Madison County: A Day of Connection, Leadership, and Community

Photos by Brett Bibb, Commerce Lexington

By: Heidi Heater
​The Leadership Central Kentucky class spent a rewarding day in Madison County last week, exploring how collaboration, creativity, and community spirit drive progress in this dynamic region. From government and healthcare to education and entrepreneurship, each stop offered a deeper look at the people and partnerships shaping Madison County’s growth and quality of life.

---

Christine Purdy, Purdy's Coffee Co.

The day began at Purdy’s Coffee Company in downtown Richmond, where we were welcomed by Judge Executive Reagan Taylor. Taylor shared his journey into public service, explaining that his motivation stemmed from a desire to “make government work for the people.” His focus on cooperation and results has been key in regional initiatives such as the creation of the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority, a collaboration among Scott, Fayette, and Madison counties that exemplifies how shared vision can yield tangible economic impact.
​​
​We also heard from Christine Purdy, who told the inspiring story behind Purdy’s Coffee. She explained that coffee wasn’t the original plan, but it became the vehicle that allowed them to love people and build community. Her message was both heartfelt and timeless: “The way we treat people never goes out of style.” Surrounded by the welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Purdy’s embodies the values of connection and care that make Madison County special.

---

Group session with Baptist Health President, Greg Gerard

Our next stop was Baptist Health Richmond, where President Greg Gerard led a memorable session on teamwork, gratitude, and joy in leadership. He reminded us that strong teams are built on respect, trust, and care, qualities that apply across professions. Gerard encouraged us to focus on what we get to do rather than what we have to do, a simple yet powerful mindset shift that can transform how we approach work and life.
​
He also shared that emotions are contagious and challenged us to avoid “spreading negative germs.” Instead, he urged us to connect meaningfully with at least one team member every day. His talk was an energizing reminder that leadership is about cultivating positivity and purpose within our teams. We could tell gratitude wasn’t just a theme in his talk; it was who he was. He made each of us feel like our being there truly mattered.

---

From there, we traveled to the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Criminal Justice Training Center, where we gained a fascinating look into one of the state’s most respected programs. The center trains approximately 9,000 individuals annually, including police officers, 911 dispatchers, coroners, court officers, and school resource officers. Basic police officer training spans 20 weeks, with each officer completing 40 hours of continuing education every year.
​​
We learned that Kentucky is recognized nationally as a leader in criminal justice training, often serving as a model for other states. The center’s impressive facilities include indoor and outdoor firing ranges, a driving track, and classrooms designed for every stage of an officer’s career—from basic training to leadership and administrative roles. Particularly notable is the new campus development in Madisonville, which will make training more accessible to those in Western Kentucky. The leadership-focused curriculum is among the most sought-after in the program, an encouraging sign for the future of law enforcement leadership in our state.

Tour of EKU's Department of Criminal Justice Training Center

After a morning full of leadership insights, we enjoyed lunch at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, where we were treated to both delicious food and a visual feast of Kentucky’s finest craftsmanship. The center celebrates the creativity of local artisans, showcasing hand-crafted works that tell the stories of the Commonwealth’s people and traditions. It was a reminder that art and culture are not just reflections of community, they are active drivers of it.
​
Following lunch, we toured Berea, learning about its deep and progressive history. Berea College has long been a trailblazer in education and social justice, leading the way in racial and gender integration, making college accessible to those who might not otherwise afford it, and welcoming students from all backgrounds. As we explored, we saw how Berea’s legacy of inclusion continues to influence its culture today, as it is a community built on access, equality, and opportunity.
​​
Of course, no visit to Madison County would be complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s. Whether it was the legendary snacks, spotless restrooms, or sheer novelty of it all, everyone found something to appreciate about this modern travel hub that has quickly become a Kentucky landmark.

Our day concluded at Chenault Vineyards, where we relaxed, took in the scenic views, and reflected on what we had learned. It was a fitting end to a day devoted to leadership, connection, and community. We eagerly consumed charcuterie and conversation flowed easily, as the group discussed the lessons we’d take back to our own organizations and how each stop had deepened our understanding of Madison County’s unique role within Central Kentucky.

Chenault Vineyards

​From a coffee shop built on kindness to a vineyard that fosters connection, the day was a vivid illustration of how leadership takes many forms. Whether through government collaboration, healthcare innovation, public safety education, or cultural preservation, Madison County showed us what’s possible when people lead with heart and purpose.
​
As we boarded the bus to return to our cars and back to our everyday lives, one theme stood out: Leadership thrives where people care deeply about their community and one another. Madison County embodies that truth, and it left us all inspired to bring that same spirit of gratitude, teamwork, and service back to our own corners of Central Kentucky.