Take the LEAD in your community
Unifying Southeastern Kentucky
LAUREL
KNOX
WHITLEY
Leadership Tri-County is a non-profit organization established in 1987 as an educational program designed to identify potential, emerging, and current leaders from Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties and to nurture their continued development into the leaders our area needs now and in the future.
We work to develop the area’s leadership resource and create a better more unified Southeastern Kentucky utilizing trust, respect, commitment and service.
Enhance Leadership Skills
Develop leadership skills through hands-on learning experiences and networking.
Grow in Understanding
Discover the history, culture, economy, and challenges of the Tri-County area.
Achieve More
Join us in moving our region forward towards progress and success.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Engaging in leadership programs can boost job market competitiveness.
Get Involved
WHO
Professionals from different industries join the program annually. Those passionate about improving the community are welcome to apply. As a member of Leadership Tri-County, you can grow your network by meeting other leaders committed to creating change and progress.
HOW
If you’re passionate about developing your community, there are many ways to get involved. You can apply to participate in the program, sponsor a session, or join us at the annual Leader of the Year banquet each spring. We have 500+ alumni engaged across southeastern Kentucky, and we want you to join us!
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, Leadership Tri-County exists because of the generosity of decades of sponsors from each of the three counties we serve. Your donation empowers LTC to deliver high-impact experiences and training to current and future leaders serving our region in business, healthcare, education, and other industries.
What Participants Are Saying
Eric Burke
Class of ‘26
“If you’re considering Leadership Tri-County, my advice is simple. Apply.
I went into the program expecting to learn more about leadership. I came away with a much deeper appreciation for our communities, the people serving them, and how connected everything really is.
Getting behind the scenes with government, education, healthcare, economic development, law and justice, tourism, and communications completely changed my perspective. It opened my eyes to the incredible work happening across Whitley, Laurel, and Knox counties that most of us never get to see.
What surprised me most wasn’t what I learned. It was how the experience challenged me personally. It reignited my creativity, expanded my view of leadership, and gave me a stronger desire to become involved in my community. It also reminded me how valuable it is to be around passionate people who genuinely want to make our region better.
Leadership Tri-County wasn’t just another leadership program for me. It became a catalyst for personal growth and community engagement.
I’m proud to be part of the Class of 2026 and grateful for everyone who invested their time, knowledge, and passion into making the experience what it was.”
Keyla Stubblefield
LTC Class of ‘24
“It has been a wonderful experience with a great group of leaders who have become amazing friends. I’ve grown individually, made several connections and heard from so many inspiring leaders right here in our Tri-County area! I’m looking forward to utilizing the skills, knowledge and resources I gained from this class to become a better & stronger leader in my career and for our community!”
