Five leaders from Daviess County are among 52 professionals from across the Commonwealth selected for the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2026.
The local participants are Cate Gaddis of RiverValley Behavioral Health, Lelan Hancock of the City of Owensboro, Gil Mischel of Owensboro Health, Jill Switzer of Century Aluminum, and Emmy Woosley of the Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools.
Leadership Kentucky announced the statewide class on Monday. The organization’s flagship program consists of seven three-day sessions held across Kentucky from June through December, giving participants opportunities to explore the state’s challenges, opportunities, industries, and communities while building relationships with leaders from throughout the Commonwealth.
The 2026 program will include stops in Berea, Louisville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Murray, Somerset, Lexington, Frankfort, and Northern Kentucky. Topics will include business and economic development, arts and tourism, natural resources and the environment, education, healthcare, social issues, agriculture, and government.
This year’s class includes 52 participants representing public, private, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and government sectors from across Kentucky.
Founded in 1984, Leadership Kentucky is a nonprofit educational organization designed to develop informed, connected leaders by providing a deeper understanding of issues affecting the Commonwealth. The organization also operates ELEVATE Kentucky, BRIGHT Kentucky, and New Executives to Kentucky leadership programs.
Applications and nominations for the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2027 will open in January at Leadership Kentucky’s website.
