KLC Recognizes 2025 Leadership Series Graduates

Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams graduated from Elected Officials Leadership Series

                                                                                              (PHOTO PROVIDED)

Photo Attached:  Pictured from left are, front row — Versailles Councilmember Ann Miller, Radcliff Councilmember Maria Bell, Wheelwright Commissioner Clarissa McKinney, Danville Commissioner Donna Peek, and Morehead Mayor Laura White-Brown. Second row — Georgetown Councilmember Kim Menke and Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams. Third row — Hodgenville Mayor Jim Phelps Jr., Lewisburg Mayor Kathy Stewart, Versailles Councilmember Chantel Bingham. Back row — Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg, Hillview Mayor Jim Eadens, and curriculum facilitator Jason Halligan.

The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) is proud to recognize Carrolton Mayor Robb Adams and all graduates of its 2025 Elected Officials Leadership Series. The program, launched in 2022, equips city leaders with the skills and tools to develop and enact their vision while creating a collaborative network of servant leaders dedicated to investing in others.

This year’s participants took part in three two-day sessions held across the commonwealth. Each session focused on a different aspect of leadership development, combining training, peer discussion, and insights from guest speakers.

• Berea (Session One): Leading Self – Participants explored leadership as an activity rather than a title, reflecting on their personal “why” and identifying strengths and areas for growth to serve their communities better.
• Bardstown (Session Two): Leading Teams – The group studied motivational and influence techniques, emotional intelligence, and strategies for inspiring city teams. Dr. Anton Reece, president of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, shared his expertise on effective team leadership.
• Murray State University (Session Three): Leading Communities – Leaders focused on vision-setting, placemaking with professor Chris Wooldridge, change management, policymaking, and communication strategies, including crisis communication.

“Leadership is about influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to achieve a common goal,” KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney said. “This year’s participants were committed to growth — not just for themselves, but for their communities as well. The impact of this program will be seen in stronger cities across the commonwealth.”

2025 Elected Officials Leadership Series graduates include:

• Mayor Robb Adams, Carrollton
• Councilmember Maria Bell, Radcliff
• Councilmember Chantel Bingham, Versailles
• Mayor Jim Eadens, Hillview
• Mayor Jim Hamberg, Southgate
• Commissioner Clarissa McKinney, Wheelwright
• Councilmember Kim Menke, Georgetown
• Councilmember Ann Miller, Versailles
• Commissioner Donna Peek, Danville
• Mayor Jim Phelps, Jr., Hodgenville
• Mayor Kathy Stewart, Lewisburg
• Mayor Laura White-Brown, Morehead