(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Five individuals from the Purchase Area region celebrated their graduation from Leadership Kentucky’s Class of 2025 on Wednesday, December 10, representing Marshall County, McCracken County, Calloway County, and Ballard County.
The regional graduates included Kenny Boyd of Baptist Health System, Inc. from McCracken County; Renee Fister and Michael Ramage, both of Murray State University from Calloway County; Elizabeth Griffith Mudd of Kentucky Lake Economic Development from Marshall County; Peggy Meriedeth of the City of Barlow from Ballard County; and Ben Stinnett of BFW/Marcum Engineering and Consulting, also from Calloway County.
The graduates were among 52 distinguished leaders from across Kentucky who completed the prestigious seven-month program, which has been developing state leaders since 1985.
“Through the Leadership Kentucky program, they have gained tremendous insight, experienced Kentucky in a unique way, and built lasting relationships that will serve them well for many years to come,” said Janice Way, Leadership Kentucky President and CEO.
The intensive program ran from June through December, taking participants across the Commonwealth for seven monthly, three-day sessions. The curriculum covered business and economic development, racial equity and social justice, arts and tourism, natural resources and the environment, education, healthcare, agriculture, and government.
Participants met with Kentucky leaders at various locations including Berea, Pikeville, Paducah/Eddyville, Louisville, Bowling Green/Hopkinsville, Northern Kentucky, and Central Kentucky to explore the state’s resources and complex challenges.
Nominations and applications for the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2026 will be available online at leadershipky.org in January 2026.
