Tomorrow's Leaders
Leadership Nelson County
Welcome to Leadership Nelson County
Leadership Nelson County aims to develop and inspire leaders within our community. The future of Nelson County depends on engaged, informed citizens who are ready to take on leadership roles and address challenges with commitment and responsibility.
This program identifies and prepares both current and emerging leaders to navigate today’s complex issues. Participants learn that leadership is about serving their community, not about rank or titles. The program consists of full-day sessions once a month for nine months, beginning with an overnight retreat and concluding with a graduation ceremony.
Participation requires a two-year commitment: the first year as a student and the second year as a mentor for the incoming class. Since its inception in 1989, the program has welcomed many dedicated individuals. We invite you to be part of this experience.
What We Do
Purpose of Leadership Nelson County
Leadership Nelson County (LNC) works to expand leadership potential by equipping participants with knowledge about the Nelson County area and the issues affecting the community. The program is designed to develop informed, engaged leaders who are prepared to take on meaningful roles in shaping the future.
Key objectives of the program include:
- Developing Leaders – Providing educational experiences that enhance leadership skills and deepen participants’ understanding of the community.
- Encouraging Commitment – Selecting individuals who demonstrate a dedication to learning, growth, and community betterment.
- Ensuring Diversity – Forming a well-rounded class that represents a cross-section of the community, fostering meaningful interactions and new perspectives.
- Building Connections – Strengthening communication among leaders and encouraging a lifelong commitment to community service.
- Identifying Potential – Motivating and preparing emerging leaders to step into roles of influence and responsibility.
- Creating Opportunities – Offering participants access to leadership roles and involvement in developing solutions for local challenges.
Selection Process
Anyone may apply or nominate a candidate. Individuals with strong leadership abilities or the potential to lead are encouraged to apply.
A selection committee composed of LNC alumni reviews all applications and selects up to 20 participants. Because true leadership requires commitment, each selected participant is expected to attend all sessions and actively engage in the program.
Commitment to Leadership
Program Structure Overview
1
Year One: Student Experience
In the first year, participants immerse themselves in a comprehensive curriculum designed to build foundational leadership skills and community knowledge.
2
Year Two: Leadership Role
During the second year, participants transition into leadership roles, guiding the new cohort and applying their skills to real-world community projects.
3
Continuous Engagement
Graduates remain connected through alumni events and ongoing community initiatives, ensuring lasting impact and growth.
How it Works
Leadership Nelson County program requires a two (2) year commitment. The first year as a student and the second year as a leader of the incoming class.
The year starts with a welcoming reception in February followed by an overnight orientation retreat in March. Retreat activities allow class members to explore their ideas for leadership and to ascertain what issues facing our community are most important to them as a class. The overnight experience also includes plenty of time for participants to relax and to get acquainted with fellow class members.
The program continues April through October with full day (8am-5pm) sessions on the second Wednesday of each month. The sessions are conducted by alumni of LNC and will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and field trips presented by recognized leaders in our community and state. Each day will end with an interactive evaluation of the day’s session in which frank discussions among participants and presenters play an important part.
The LNC program concludes with a graduation banquet in November recognizing the significant commitment of time and interest made by each participant.
Step 1. Read the Handbook
Applicants are expected to read the full handbook before applying and to understand all program expectations. A complete reading ensures each applicant enters the process informed and prepared for the commitments of Leadership Nelson County. Click here.
Step 2. Complete the Application
A selection committee composed of Leadership Nelson County alumni reviews all applications and selects up to 20 individuals for the program. The goal is to create meaningful connections within the group while also bridging divides within the community. Click here.
The committee selects a well-balanced class representing varied backgrounds to strengthen learning and broaden understanding. Because diversity is central to the process, some applicants may not be chosen on the first try and are encouraged to reapply.
Leadership Nelson County requires full participation. Selected members must attend all sessions, sign a commitment statement, and secure employer approval when needed. Tuition is $400 and is paid before the program begins. It supports program costs and may be covered by an employer or paid by the participant.
Who We Are
History
Leadership Nelson County (LNC) was established in 1989 by the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce and became an independent entity in 1998. The program is designed to identify and prepare both current and emerging leaders who have the ability and desire to take on leadership roles in the community.
LNC is one of 35 community leadership programs in Kentucky. Its purpose is to enhance the leadership skills and community awareness of participants, creating a network of informed and motivated individuals who are prepared to guide Nelson County into the future.
Our Goal
Leadership Nelson County aims to identify, motivate, and develop leaders who are committed to serving the community. The program provides access to leadership opportunities and encourages involvement in addressing local challenges. By improving communication among leaders, it strengthens collaboration and effectiveness. A key focus is fostering a lifelong commitment to community service as an essential aspect of leadership.
To expand leadership potential, the program offers educational experiences that deepen participants’ understanding of Nelson County and its challenges. Participants gain exposure to local leadership and civic organizations and engage in in-depth discussions on key issues with community and state experts.
Board of Directors
Kim Rogers – Chair (Term Ends 2026)
BIDC
502-348-6402 x101
Mark Jones – Co-Chair (Term Ends 2026)
Pastor
502-919-5260
Kasy Mattingly – Treasurer (Term Ends 2026)
Heaven Hill
502-337-9596
Danelle Morales – Secretary (Term Ends 2026)
Abound Federal Credit Union
270-300-0749
Vicki Ward (Term Ends 2025)
Nazareth Villages
502-507-6767
Spalding Hurst (Term Ends 2026)
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
502-507-8178
Lisa Thomas (Term Ends 2027)
Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber
502-348-9545
Richard Blanton (Term Ends 2027)
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
502-564-1965
Tammy Edelen (Term Ends 2028)
KORT
502-349-2515
Alumni of the Year
- 2025 – Sister Susan Gatz
- 2024 – Sue Rogers
- 2023 – Brenda Bowling
- 2022 – Vivian Fleenor
- 2020/2021 – Matthew Hite
- 2019 – Fred Hagan
- 2018 – Rhonda Hagan
- 2017 – Susan Buzick Elmore
- 2016 – Cleo Philon
- 2015 – Kim Huston
- 2014 – Theresa Cammack
- 2013 – Alyson Roby
- 2012 – Theresa Hurst
- 2011 – Vilma Hagan
- 2010 – Donna Paschal
- 2009 – Barbie Bryant
- 2008 – David Floyd
- 2007 – Martha Hickman
- 2006 – Nicky Rapier
- 2005 – Patricia Thomas
- 2004 – Frank B. Wilson
- 2003 – Bonnie Cecil
- 2002 – Linda Wells
- 2001 – Mike Brooks
- 2000 – Dixie Hibbs
Class Projects
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- 2025 – Renovated and reopened the restrooms at the Bardstown dog park
- 2024 – Replaced and planted trees in downtown Bardstown for the City of Bardstown
- 2023 – Refurbished and replenished Blessing Boxes throughout downtown Bardstown
- 2022 – Painted all water hydrants in New Haven and refurbished park benches and the entrance gate at New Haven Park
- 2020/2021 – Added a kiosk and mile markers to Dean Watts Park
- 2019 – Made updates to Community Park, including installing a kiosk map
- 2018 – Created a meditation garden at Isaiah House in Chaplin
- 2017 – Constructed and planted six raised garden beds at the GO Center
- 2016 – Beautification of Bloomfield Memorial Park
- 2015 – Remodeled, cleaned, painted, and worked at the New Hope Food Bank
- 2014 – Painted and decorated the Community Room at Nazareth
- 2013 – Remodeled the Common Room at Bethany Haven
- 2012 – Landscaped the Nelson County Senior Citizens grounds
- 2011 – Installed a fence, completed landscaping, and painted at Nelson County Humane grounds
- 2010 – Refurbished, painted, and decorated the New Life Center
- 2009 – Refurbished and painted the Community Health Clinic
- 2008 – Beautification of Wickland
- 2007 – Beautification of Community Park
- 2006 – Fairfield City Hall and Jailhouse Garden Project
- 2005 – Created a mural for the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven
- 2004 – Stephen Foster Drama Beautification Project
- 2003 – Installed landscape and signs at Bardstown Community Park
- 2002 – Landscape project at Guthrie Drive and Barberry Lane
- 2001 – Installed a welcome sign at the Nelson County line on Highway 245
- 2000 – Assisted in the renovation of the New Life Center
- 1999 – Veterans Memorial and Broadway & 1st Streets Beautification Project
- 1998 – Spalding Hall Beautification Project
Downloads
Siste Visitation Question Guide
Contact Us
Email LNC
If you have any questions or comments for Leadership Nelson County, please reach out to us here.