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.

    • 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

    • 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

Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jordyne Carmack, PhD joined Leadership Tri-County as Executive Director in 2023, after serving on the board for the previous three years. With a strong background in leadership and communication, Jordyne brings over a decade of experience in planning, service, and facilitation to her role. Previously, she worked as a marketing coordinator, associate professor of communication arts, and instructional designer at the University of the Cumberlands.

Carmack is passionate about authentic leadership and has been recognized for her contributions to various community organizations. She holds a doctorate in Leadership Studies from the University of the Cumberlands and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from West Virginia University. She is a graduate of the pandemic LTC Class of ‘20. Originally from Texas, she is proud to call eastern Kentucky home and is thrilled to raise her daughter with her husband, Daniel Carmack, a Bell County, KY, native.

Board of Directors

BOARD CHAIRMAN

Lee Richardson – Baptist Health Corbin

VICE BOARD CHAIRMAN

Charles Lovell – Appalachian Regional Healthcare

TREASURER

Melissa Conn – Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky

SECRETARY

Kelly Lowe – Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation

BOARD MEMBERS

Ruby Adams – Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation
Meghann Chesnut – Union Commonwealth University
Melissa Conn – Account Integrity, LLC
Claudia Greenwood – Knox County Chamber of Commerce
Deanna Herrmann – London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce
Chris Holcomb – Baptist Health Corbin
Brandon Keck – JBK Roofing
Kelly Lowe – Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation
Charles Lovell – Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Brendia Moses – KCEOC Community Action Partnership
Lee Richardson – Baptist Health Corbin
Tammy Smith – University of the Cumberlands
Mark Steely – Baptist Health Corbin
Jane Williams – Parkinson’s In Motion
Ryan Yother – Baptist Health Foundation