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.
Participating counties include: Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford.
NOTE:
The application has a save feature allowing applicants to save and return to complete their application. However, it is strongly recommended that you keep a backup copy of your long-form responses in a separate word document. This ensures your work is protected in the event of any technical or saving errors. Before you submit your application, ensure all parts of the application are completed in full, headshot is submitted, and references are attached.
Applications must be returned on or before the deadline of Monday, June 8th, 2026 by 5:00 pm.
ELIGIBILITY:
Individuals who work and/or live in any of the eight surrounding counties that LCK represents (Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford) are eligible to apply.
SELECTION:
The Leadership Central Kentucky Selection Committee appreciates your interest and looks forward to reviewing your application. The Committee’s goal is to identify individuals who demonstrate strong potential to apply their leadership skills for the long-term benefit of the region. Approximately 25-30 participants will be selected for each class.
Selections are based on the information provided in the application. The Committee is committed to building a diverse cohort, across professions, geography, and backgrounds. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a local leadership program (such as Leadership Lexington, Leadership Madison County, or Leadership Scott County etc).
Ideal candidates are actively engaged across a range of sectors, including business, education, the arts, faith communities, government, community organizations, and ethnic and minority groups. The selected class will reflect the rich diversity of communities throughout the Greater Lex.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Leadership Central Kentucky is a ten-month program involving a mandatory overnight orientation retreat scheduled for August 18 & 19, followed by a full-day session each month from September through May.
Core Curriculum: Throughout the program year, class sessions explore key regional topics led by expert speakers, panels, such as economic development, education, quality of life, agritourism, transportation, and health services. Each session is designed to highlight local initiatives, regional collaboration, and the challenges impacting these areas. Time is also dedicated to showcasing the unique character of each county through site visits, walking tours, occasional small business explorations, and engagement with regional leaders.
Completion: At the conclusion of the program year, a reflection and graduation ceremony is held to recognize the achievements of the class.
ATTENDANCE STANDARDS
Leadership Central Kentucky is a regional leadership program sponsored by area Chambers of Commerce for individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential. Participation requires a significant and consistent time commitment. With the honor of being selected comes the responsibility to be punctual, fully engaged, and actively involved. Please carefully review all program requirements before committing.
Participants must attend at least 80% of all sessions. Missing more than two full-day sessions, or the equivalent of four half-day sessions, will result in ineligibility for graduation.
Attendance at the August 18–19 overnight Orientation is mandatory. Orientation is a core component of the program and carries a higher attendance expectation than regular sessions. Missing more than 60 minutes of any portion of Orientation will result in removal from the program, unless exceptional circumstances are reviewed and approved.
2026–2027 Leadership Central Kentucky Session Schedule
Day sessions are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month. Please refer to the dates below for a complete overview of the program year and plan accordingly to reserve these dates in advance.
Orientation Retreat
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 18 & 19, 2026
Day Sessions: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
September 16, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 20, 2027
February 17, 2027
March 17, 2027
April 21, 2027
May 19, 2027 – Reflection/Graduation Day
Schedule and Logistics:
Sessions typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (but some days may start at 8:30am) and are held at various locations across the region. Final details, including times and locations, will be shared 3–4 days in advance of each session. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the host county; however, transportation between local sites during the session day will be provided.
REPORTING ABSENCES:
If you are unable to arrive at the session on time or must be absent for a part of or an entire day, you are expected to contact the program director regarding your absence or tardiness, as soon as possible. Absences may be reported by email or text message to the program director.
TARDINESS AND ABSENCES:
To maintain the integrity of our sessions, attendance is tracked as follows:
Tardiness: Arriving 30 minutes late to a session will be recorded as a ½ day absence.
Extended Absence: Missing any segment of the program (morning or afternoon) totaling one hour or more will be recorded as a ½ day absence.
Excused Absences:
While we recognize that personal and professional emergencies occur, the 80% attendance requirement is designed to accommodate these unavoidable conflicts. Participants may miss no more than two day sessions during the program year to remain in good standing. This policy ensures the integrity of the group experience while providing flexibility for illness or urgent business commitments.
COMMITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT:
Success in Leadership Central Kentucky depends on the full engagement of every participant. Before applying, please ensure you can commit to the required time and energy this program demands. Your active participation is essential, not only for your personal growth but for the collective experience of your cohort. We ask that you only apply if you are prepared to make this commitment a priority for the coming year.
BEHAVIOR AND DECORUM:
Leadership Central Kentucky is a professional development program that brings together diverse perspectives from across our community. To ensure a productive and respectful environment for all participants, speakers, and host venues, the following standards are expected:
Professionalism: Participants are expected to conduct themselves with the same level of professionalism they would within their own organizations. This includes being prepared, attentive, and respectful during all presentations, tours, and group activities.
Civil Discourse: A core value of Leadership Central Kentucky is the exploration of complex community issues. We encourage open dialogue and diverse viewpoints; however, all discussions must remain respectful, constructive, and focused on the program’s educational goals.
Presence and Engagement: To maximize the experience for yourself and your cohort, we ask that you remain fully present. Please limit the use of mobile devices to scheduled breaks, except in the case of professional or personal emergencies.
Representation: While participating in program sessions, you are an ambassador for Leadership Central Kentucky and your organization. We expect participants to treat our community partners, classmates, and guest speakers with gratitude and courtesy.
Confidentiality: To foster an environment of trust, some speakers may share candid insights or "off-the-record" information. Participants are expected to respect these boundaries to maintain the integrity of our partnership with community leaders.
The Program Director, in consultation with the LCK Board, reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program at any time if their conduct, attendance, or engagement is deemed inconsistent with the professional standards and mission of Leadership Central Kentucky. In the event of a dismissal for cause or professional misconduct, program tuition is non-refundable.
TUITION AND MEMBERSHIP:
Upon acceptance into Leadership Central Kentucky, the participant or sponsoring organization is responsible for the program tuition of $1,500, which covers all essential costs, including orientation lodging, meals, curriculum materials, and charter bus transportation throughout the year.
DEADLINES: Tuition is due in full by August 3rd, prior to the Orientation retreat.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of partial, need-based scholarships are available by applying below. Preference is given to representatives from non-profit organizations and small, independent businesses.
Your tuition payment of $1500 is due in full by August 3rd and is nonrefundable.
Applicants will be notified by Thursday, July 2nd of their acceptance or not into the program.
For questions, please email Tyra Harbut at tharbut@commercelexington.com.