550+ alumni. 3 counties. 1 unified region for maximum impact.
Who We Are
In the late 1970s, some big cities started looking into creating programs to help everyday citizens grow into leadership roles within their communities. These programs were called local community leadership networks.
In 1985, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce sponsored their first statewide leadership network called, Leadership Kentucky. Dr. William Hacker, Tom Handy, and Jim Oaks from the tri-counties were chosen to participate. From that experience, they recognized the need for a similar program in the tri-counties.
They began the process of developing a structure for the local organization in 1986 and by the fall of 1987, the charter class of Leadership Tri-County was selected. Today, Leadership Tri-County continues to serve the mission of the organization by advancing its leadership and networking tasks.
Class members are brought together to build vibrant relationships and deepen their knowledge of the area’s challenges and opportunities and to inspire them to commit quality leadership skills either individually or collectively to further Southeastern Kentucky’s future.
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2026 - Dr. Jerry Jackson
2025 - Marcia Dixon
2024 – Jane Williams
2023 – Suzie Razmus
2022 – John Bill Keck
2019 – Ernest Matt House
2018 – Andy Croley
2017 – Claudia Greenwood
2016 – Judge Eugene Siler Jr.
2015 – Dr. Michael Colegrove
2014 – William Hacker, M.D.
2014 – Dr. Jim Oaks
2014 – Tom Handy
2013 – Bob Mitchell
2012 – U.S. Senator Gene Huff
2011 – Nelda Barton-Collings
2010 – Edward de Rosset
2009 – Terry Forcht
2008 – Major General (Ret.) Donald Storm
2007 – United States Senator Mitch McConnell
2006 – Karen Engle
2005 – Paul Dole
2004 – Robert S. Terrell
2003 – Representative Charlie Siler
2002 – United States Congressman Hal Rogers
2001 – Dr. James Taylor
2000 – Robert Wood
1997 – Marian Collette
1996 – Denise Wainscott
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2026 - Andrea Creekmore
2025 - Carrie Davis
2024 - Kristi Burnett
2020 – Dr. Jordyne Carmack
2019 – Marcus Kuhl
2018 – Noah White
2017 – Kelly Lowe
2016 – Rich Prewitt
2015 - Chris Holcomb
2013 – Donna Butt, Joanne McNeilly, Julie Rea, Bonnie Sigmon
2012 – Kellie Moore
2010 – Amanda Finley
2009 – Janie Baker-Hall
2008 – Molly Barnett
2007 – Lee Richardson
2006 – Jody Madden
2005 – Angela Morris
2004 – Karen Kelly, Brandon Keck
2003 – Dr. Jerry Jackson
THROUGH THE YEARS
We are hiring!
Do you have a passion for community leadership development in southeast Kentucky? The Board of Directors is now taking applications for our next Executive Director, starting this Summer.
Review the job posting at the link below and interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume/CV to director@leadershiptrico.org.
Leadership Tri-County Intern
Mrs. Lee Richardson, Victoria, and Mr. Charles Lovell in Berea for orientation
Leadership Tri-County is proud to announce that they have partnered up with Rural-Up. Rural Up is an organization focused on empowering youth in Eastern Kentucky by connecting education with career opportunities, helping students develop the skills, and experience needed to succeed in the workforce. The organization works with schools, businesses, and community partners to create stronger educational and career pathways, helping young students discover opportunities and build meaningful futures within their communities.
We are excited to introduce our first ever intern, Victoria Rodriguez. She is currently a student athlete at Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, Kentucky but is originally from Oxnard, California. She traveled to Kentucky to continue her academic and athletic career. Her plan is to finish her degree in business marketing and management while also getting to play the sport she loves, softball.
Victoria has been a valuable asset to Leadership Tri-County, playing an important role in organizing and supporting this year’s orientation in Berea, Kentucky. During the event, she helped welcome the Class of 2027 and facilitated team-building activities designed to strengthen connections and encourage collaboration among participants. In addition to her contributions to orientation, Victoria has been instrumental in managing and updating the organization’s website and social media platforms, helping strengthen Leadership Tri-County’s online presence and community engagement.
