** BRIGHT Kentucky 2020

 We are now accepting applications for the BRIGHT Kentucky program. Leadership Kentucky is now accepting applications for the second year of the BRIGHT Kentucky program. BRIGHT Kentucky is designed to build the capacity of next-generation leaders (average age 21-40) in the Appalachian region of Kentucky to innovate, collaborate, and advance community and economic development.

BRIGHT Kentucky engages bright, entrepreneurial minds from all sectors and regions to offer non-partisan, ethical leadership training, expanded networks, and mentors designed especially for residents of the 54 Kentucky counties of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) approved a $500,000 grant for the Leadership Kentucky Foundation to help create a new leadership program targeting young professionals in the Kentucky Appalachian corridor, named BRIGHT Kentucky, in 2019. BRIGHT Kentucky is made possible by the ARC grant and private funding from the Whitaker Foundation and others.

Know someone who should apply to BRIGHT Kentucky 2020? Forward them an application! Application Information Here (https://www.leadershipky.org/programs/bright-kentucky-5/)

**Leadership Kentucky & COVID-19

What an unbelievable time we are living in! Leadership Kentucky, along with the rest of the world and the state, is watching and waiting as plans change and restrictions evolve in response to COVID-19. As you know, the coronavirus situation is fluid and is changing by the hour. Unfortunately, after weighing the options and communicating with our Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and consulting the Center for Disease Control restrictions, we have decided to cancel the ELEVATE program this year. Participants who were selected for the class will automatically be enrolled in the program in 2021. Both BRIGHT Kentucky and Leadership Kentucky, programs with at least 50 participants, are set to begin in the summer and we are optimistic that we will be able to provide these programs with no changes. Currently, we are conducting business as usual and accepting applications for BRIGHT, making plans, and connecting with leaders across the state, but we will make the necessary changes and cancelations if recommended. As for our Regional Councils with plans for hosting gatherings and events, we recommend postponing and re-scheduling these networking events for a later date. As you know, this is a fluid situation. We will keep you updated on the status of our programs as recommendations and suggestions change. We will always make the decision to protect our class members, alumni, board members, speakers, and staff. The programs we provide allow participants to forge new relationships, bring a fresh and informed perspective to their communities and companies, and serve as important leaders in the unified effort to shape Kentucky’s future. Strong leaders are vital to the success of our state and we want to keep them healthy!

** Alumni Dues

By paying your 2020 Alumni dues, you will support programming that aims to teach, connect, and engage leaders across Kentucky. Because of your contributions, in recent years, we have expanded programming to include New Executives to Kentucky, Elevate Kentucky for young professionals, and BRIGHT Kentucky for Eastern Kentuckians. In addition to your alumni dues, we invite you to consider a contribution to one or more of the scholarship funds below. * Angie Woodward Scholarship honors our longest-serving leader. * Lisa Murrell was a member of the 2008 LKY Class when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In memory of her brave fight against cancer and Lisa’s spirit of courage, compassion, selflessness, and inspiration, her classmates created a scholarship that has helped many across the state to participate in the Leadership Kentucky experience. * Elmer Whitaker Scholarship Fund will assist LKY candidates from Eastern Kentucky. * Joan Riehm was an influential leader for her community and the Commonwealth and was one of the founders of Leadership Kentucky. * Kentucky Women's Leadership Network (KWLN) created a scholarship for female participants and aims to involve women leaders in programs for the purpose of improving the personal, professional, economic, and public status of all women throughout the Commonwealth. Click Here to Pay 2020 Alumni Dues (https://www.leadershipky.org/alumni/alumni-dues-4/)

** Alumni News

* Mark Robinson (2016) retired from Humana. Congratulations!

* Jo Haas named Chief Creative Officer at the Kentucky Science Center 

* Steve Brunson (2008) named market president in Northern Kentucky for Forcht Bank

* Gwen R. Pinson (2011) has been named Corporate Counsel for Galls, LLC. in Lexington.

* Claire Parsons (2017) received the 2020 Ms. JD Sharing Her Passion Award

* Aaron Poynter (BRIGHT 2019) began working for the South Central Kentucky Workforce Board and the Cumberland Workforce Board as the Reentry Coordinator.

* Landan Stallons (ELEVATE 2019) promoted to Commercial Banking Assistant Vice-President of Planter's Bank.