Leadership LEAP
If you're ready to apply, click the link below to print out and mail the confidential application OR fill out and submit the online form on this page.
Applications Due May 1st!

Kentucky’s state motto is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” This has never been more true for small rural counties like ours. LEAP is one avenue for the up-and-coming leaders in our region to get together, learn about each other as people and as communities, and to share ideas about how we can all work together to make tomorrow better for us all.
As the steering committee for the Leadership LEAP program, which includes Estill, Jackson, Lee & Powell Counties (and we've had participation from multiple other adjoining counties!), we would like to enlighten you about exactly what this program is about and what the participants from these four to six counties have in store for them in the coming year. This program began with Estill County alone in 2010 and quickly grew to include four counties in a regional effort. Certainly with any regional effort, especially one that has grown this quickly, there will be growing pains and issues that must be sorted out. To the surprise and delight of the steering committee, the amount of collaboration and sharing among our four counties has far surpassed anyone’s best expectations. In addition, our contributing sponsors and partners have been overwhelmingly supportive in making this program a success.
Leadership LEAP is a six-month commitment by the participants in which they come together once a month around a different topic and in a different community. Topics cover economic development, healthcare, tourism, law enforcement/drug abuse prevention, education, government, leadership skills and team building. Participants are held to a strict attendance policy, which is a typical practice among leadership programs across the state and nation. This policy is in place to enhance the camaraderie of the class and to protect the integrity of the program. LEAP participants are no doubt passionate about our communities and want to attend every second of the program and graduate, but even those who fall just short of meeting attendance are given the opportunity to fulfill their commitments and graduate with the next year’s class.
As the steering committee for the Leadership LEAP program, which includes Estill, Jackson, Lee & Powell Counties (and we've had participation from multiple other adjoining counties!), we would like to enlighten you about exactly what this program is about and what the participants from these four to six counties have in store for them in the coming year. This program began with Estill County alone in 2010 and quickly grew to include four counties in a regional effort. Certainly with any regional effort, especially one that has grown this quickly, there will be growing pains and issues that must be sorted out. To the surprise and delight of the steering committee, the amount of collaboration and sharing among our four counties has far surpassed anyone’s best expectations. In addition, our contributing sponsors and partners have been overwhelmingly supportive in making this program a success.
Leadership LEAP is a six-month commitment by the participants in which they come together once a month around a different topic and in a different community. Topics cover economic development, healthcare, tourism, law enforcement/drug abuse prevention, education, government, leadership skills and team building. Participants are held to a strict attendance policy, which is a typical practice among leadership programs across the state and nation. This policy is in place to enhance the camaraderie of the class and to protect the integrity of the program. LEAP participants are no doubt passionate about our communities and want to attend every second of the program and graduate, but even those who fall just short of meeting attendance are given the opportunity to fulfill their commitments and graduate with the next year’s class.
Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Program is to:
• expand the network of potential future leaders of our communities;
• enhance the participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations;
• introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations;
• foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and develop leadership and team building skills.
The purpose of the Leadership Program is to:
• expand the network of potential future leaders of our communities;
• enhance the participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations;
• introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations;
• foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and develop leadership and team building skills.
LEAP Application
Instructions
• Please complete each section in full.
• Application must be signed by both sponsor and candidate and be received no later than 4:00 pm on May 1, 2024. No applications accepted after 4:00 pm May 1, 2024.
• All applicants will be notified by May 3, 2024. Class size is limited.
Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Program is to:
• expand the network of potential future leaders of our communities;
• enhance the participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations;
• introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations;
• foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and
• develop leadership and team building skills.
Leadership LEAP Selection Criteria
• LEAP is available to residents or those with business or civic activities within the community. The 2024 tuition of $300.00 may be paid by an employer/sponsor, individual, or not-for-profit organization.
• Participants must have a commitment to serve their community and a desire for knowledge in all aspects of life within their county.
• LEAP is an equal opportunity program and does not discriminate applicants based on disability, age, race, religion or sex.
• Class members are chosen by the LEAP Selection Committee based upon the information completed on the application. The Committee seeks representation from a cross section of the community including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.
• Applicants must have the full support of the organization or business they represent. Individuals may apply. A letter of endorsement from your sponsor must accompany your application.
• To meet graduation requirements, it is necessary that participants attend all sessions of the program. The opening retreat (May) and November conference are MANDATORY! A serious time commitment is involved with the LEAP program for each day session. If you feel you cannot make this commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply at this time.
Meeting Dates:
Opening Retreat: Overnight Retreat (Thursday/Friday) in Frankfort
Thursday, May 16, 2024 4PM - 9PM (& Stay the night)
Friday, May 17, 2024 8:30AM - 4PM
Sessions
Each session is a full day, typically beginning at 9AM and ending by 5PM (Third Thursday of each month)
June 20, 2024
July 18, 2024
August 15, 2024
September 19, 2024
Retreat: Brushy Fork Institute Leadership Summit, Berea College
Overnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) November 12-13, 2024
Graduation Activity – (Time & Location TBD)
• Please complete each section in full.
• Application must be signed by both sponsor and candidate and be received no later than 4:00 pm on May 1, 2024. No applications accepted after 4:00 pm May 1, 2024.
• All applicants will be notified by May 3, 2024. Class size is limited.
Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Program is to:
• expand the network of potential future leaders of our communities;
• enhance the participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations;
• introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations;
• foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and
• develop leadership and team building skills.
Leadership LEAP Selection Criteria
• LEAP is available to residents or those with business or civic activities within the community. The 2024 tuition of $300.00 may be paid by an employer/sponsor, individual, or not-for-profit organization.
• Participants must have a commitment to serve their community and a desire for knowledge in all aspects of life within their county.
• LEAP is an equal opportunity program and does not discriminate applicants based on disability, age, race, religion or sex.
• Class members are chosen by the LEAP Selection Committee based upon the information completed on the application. The Committee seeks representation from a cross section of the community including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.
• Applicants must have the full support of the organization or business they represent. Individuals may apply. A letter of endorsement from your sponsor must accompany your application.
• To meet graduation requirements, it is necessary that participants attend all sessions of the program. The opening retreat (May) and November conference are MANDATORY! A serious time commitment is involved with the LEAP program for each day session. If you feel you cannot make this commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply at this time.
Meeting Dates:
Opening Retreat: Overnight Retreat (Thursday/Friday) in Frankfort
Thursday, May 16, 2024 4PM - 9PM (& Stay the night)
Friday, May 17, 2024 8:30AM - 4PM
Sessions
Each session is a full day, typically beginning at 9AM and ending by 5PM (Third Thursday of each month)
June 20, 2024
July 18, 2024
August 15, 2024
September 19, 2024
Retreat: Brushy Fork Institute Leadership Summit, Berea College
Overnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) November 12-13, 2024
Graduation Activity – (Time & Location TBD)
You may pay LEAP tuition with credit or debit card by using the PayPal link below. The total is $312, including the credit card processing fee. If you would like to avoid the $12 fee, you are welcome to pay by check. Thank you!
Leadership LEAP Steering Committee
Leadership LEAP is an operating division of Estill County 21st Century, Inc. dba Estill Development Alliance. Even though it is part of an Estill County-based nonprofit, it is a regional, semi-autonomous organization with its own bank account and governing board. The LEAP Steering Committee is now made up completely of LEAP graduates who guide the direction of the program and make decisions about its future. You are welcome to reach out to any of them with questions about LEAP.
ESTILL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES:
Lindsey Rogers ([email protected]) Shaye Walker ([email protected]) Lauren Rothenhauser ([email protected]) |
Past Steering Committee Members: Dana Abney (Powell), Chris Allen (Powell), Darrell Billings (Powell), Kyle Bobrowski (Owsley), Tim Bobrowski (Owsley), Teresa Carroll (Lee), Rodney Chrisman (Jackson), Pam Cornelius (Lee), Justin Dixon (Estill), Arielle Estes (Estill), Cindy Feller (Lee), Keith Gabbard (Jackson), Jeannie Gregory (Estill), Laura Dennis Johnson (Estill), Wayne Linscott (Estill), Lisa Mays (Powell), Steve Mays (Lee), Ian Mooers (EKU), Jessica Mullins (Estill), Tina Pasley (Estill), Mark Reese (Estill), Regina Robertson (Estill), Kathy Samples (Estill), Travis Wickline (EKU)
Want to know more?
If you are interested in being notified when applications to apply for next year's class are available, please fill out the form below.
If you are interested in being notified when applications to apply for next year's class are available, please fill out the form below.
Leadership LEAP Graduates (Includes Leadership Estill County from 2010)
*denotes participants who intentionally represented more than one county.
*denotes participants who intentionally represented more than one county.
Estill County
Charlotte Brown
Gary Dawes Laura Dennis Justin Dixon Brad Fletcher Nivra Lainhart Courtney Barnes Carrie Chaney Lauren Rothenhauser Jaime Stewart |
Brent Mainous
Megan Mainous Darlene Reed Elizabeth Walling Jimmie Wise Shelia Wise Chad Aldridge Arielle Estes Deanna Seale Sharma Daniels Kathy Watson |
Emily Clifton
Jamie Hill Jessica Mullins Joan Richardson Kyle Christopher Morgan Fowler Jo Ann Smith Lindsey Rogers Keshia Rogers Christina Vaughn |
Jeannie Gregory
Becky Werner Erin Leach Becky Worrell Shannon Chaney Jared Kiser Kori Rison Michelle Turpin Amanda Bonner Josh Woods Randall Moore |
Stephen Willis
Shaye Walker Samantha Puckett CJ Neal Dave Cohn Felecia Johnson Darren Muncie Jessica Aldridge Joel Bonner Samantha Redwine |
Lee County
Chuck Caudill
Sandy Lumpkins Megan Havicus Sarah Thorpe Renita Fox |
Amanda Owens*
Dedra Brandenburg Teresa Carroll James Dailey Josh Caudill |
Justin Spencer
Carla Mays Jessica Butler Tracie Spencer |
Jackson County
Wendell Gabbard
Ben Gilbert Ryan Henderson John Young Annie Rose Brittany Montgomery Kelly Gallardo |
Jeff Bingham
Dewayne Carl Cindy Wilson Erik Wiggs Starla Sizemore Jessica Grimes Jessica Hays |
Tim Lakes
Marty York* Demian Gover Tina Gover Tammy Wiggs Josh Smith Valerie Carr |
Menifee County
Carrie Lawson
Owsley County
Kyle Bobrowski
Powell County
Chris Allen
Kayla Mays Kevin Babcock Johnny Case Tim Abner Paul Mallory Phillip Blythe Chelsea Nolan Matthew Abney |
Dustin Billings
Lisa Mays Shana Bailey Shawna Mays Dana Abney Suzanne Meadows Jerrod Childers Angela Osborne |
Ethan Moore
Megan Davis Logan Billings Ronda Smith Donna Boyd Kayla Carroll Corey Graham David Johnson |
Karen Sebey
Rhonda Logan James Clark Travis Wickline Stacy Crase Jimmy Trimble* Janice Odom Sara Roberts |