At its December meeting, the Leadership Kentucky Board of Directors celebrated Janice Way’s 10^th anniversary as the organization’s president. Way signed on to lead LKY on December 11, 2014.

Prior to joining Leadership Kentucky, she served as assistant vice president of development for St. Elizabeth Healthcare. She was also director of public relations, marketing and legislative relations and led the St. Luke Community Foundation before the merger of St. E’s and St. Luke Hospital. Earlier in her career she was a producer and on-air talent for WKYT-TV and Kentucky Educational Television in Lexington, WYMT-TV in Hazard and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, TN.

The Leadership Kentucky Board of Directors recognized Way’s ten years of dedication and expert leadership with a resolution naming her President and CEO of the organization. The comments and expressions of gratitude freely flowed from all members of the LKY board prior to the unanimous vote changing Way’s title.

Regina Jackson, LKY Executive Committee and Class of 2003 member, was part of the search committee that identified Way as the next LKY President. She said, “During the interview process, Janice was just as stunning and professional as she is today. It has been a wonderful, rewarding, and remarkable experience to work with Janice over the past 10 years. We are so grateful for what she has done for the organization, for the board, and for the state!”

Daniel Carmack, LKY board member and BRIGHT Class of 2019, said, “On behalf of the participants of the BRIGHT program, she is beloved by every member of that program and represents every member of the Leadership Kentucky family with such grace and class.” BRIGHT Kentucky was developed in 2019 to build the capacity of next-generation leaders in the Appalachian region of Kentucky to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development. The program, the second launched during Way’s tenure, exists thanks to an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant and private funding from the Whitaker Foundation and others. 

Way’s foresight is yet another quality that is incredibly impressive to members of the board. "Working on the Board with Janice Way is such a pleasure!  She is a real visionary who has led the organization expertly as we have expanded programming, grown, and matured.  She is so steady, focused, and organized that she makes the hard work look easy!  Leadership Kentucky is blessed to have her. Kentucky is blessed to have her,” said Melissa Knight, LKY 2026 Chair-Elect and Class of 2015.

After the outpouring of gratitude and appreciation Way found herself speechless, which is a rare occurrence for those who know and love her. “I had always thought of Leadership Kentucky as my dream job, and I just knew that it was what I was meant to do. When I got my official letter on December 11^th, I was so excited and still feel that way today. I might even be more passionate because I understand more about what is possible with this incredible organization,” Way said. She then went on to express immense appreciation for the LKY team and credited them for the wonderful work they do each day.

Helen Carroll, LKY Program Coordinator and Class of 1993, and Janice go back a long way. Carroll shares this special message for the LKY President and CEO. “Oh my goodness – I have many Janice Way stories and quotes.  We go back much more than 10 years so there’s some great material for a time like this. However, in addition to having the pleasure of working with her, I value our friendship too much to share most of that great material. But I’ll say this about Janice . . . she’s kind, considerate, empathetic, always willing to lend a hand . . . she has a story for every (and I do mean EVERY) situation, she’s never met a stranger, and she’s the perfect leader for Leadership Kentucky.  Dearest Janice . . . I could go on and on but you know (blah, blah, blah) the rest of the story. Happy 10^th Anniversary!”

Lisa Speier, LKY Operations Coordinator, worked with Janice during her time at St. Elizabeth and says, “Janice has been part of my work life for more than the nearly four years I’ve been with Leadership Kentucky. She has been a friend, confidant, and most certainly a leader. She is fair, kind, knowledgeable, humble, confident, genuine, and let’s not forget, fashionable. I appreciate Janice for giving me the opportunity to work with her again and for sharing her love of this great state!”

“Working with Janice for the past five years has been a pleasure. Her passion for people and Kentucky is infectious and she inspires all of us daily. I consider her not only an incredible boss but also a friend," says Jennifer Phelps, LKY Program Administrator.