LEXINGTON, Ky. — Commerce Lexington Inc. is recognizing the latest 40-member class of graduates from the 2022-23 Leadership Lexington program presented by McBrayer PLLC. Since 1979, this nationally recognized leadership development program has been cultivating Lexington leaders, producing more than 1,700 graduates from this highly informative, educational, and results-oriented leadership development program.
First presented in 1998, the Leadership Lexington Distinguished Leader Award annually recognizes the class member who demonstrates strong principles and dedication to the concept of community service. This year’s award recipient is Phil Jun from LexArts, which marks the second consecutive Distinguished Leader Award winner from LexArts. In addition to his active participation in the program, Jun was instrumental in his group’s class project work on the Lexington Unsung Heroes Ball – an awards event and gala to highlight and commemorate excellence in public servants. Scheduled for August 5 at the UK Longship Club, the Ball will distribute seven awards to various “unsung heroes.”
Leadership Lexington class members closed out the 2022-23 program with a final day session on June 8, beginning with a visit to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, which was a project of the class of 2007. After reflecting on the various projects, the group participated in an after-action review with Jason Cummins of Horizon Performance and provided feedback about their experience in the Leadership Lexington program. A graduation ceremony was held at Transylvania University’s Morrison Chapel, featuring President Brien Lewis as keynote speaker.
Following the ceremony, the new graduates were invited to a reception organized by the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association at Transylvania University’s Graham Cottage. At the alumni reception, Foster Ockerman, Jr. was honored posthumously with the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award for his many contributions to Leadership Lexington since graduating from the program in 1980 as a member of the inaugural class. Find out more about Leadership Lexington at www.leadershiplexington.com.
2022-23 LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON GRADUATING CLASS:
Christal Badour, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky
Jonas Bastien, Attorney, McBrayer PLLC
Mambuna Bojang, Technology Support Coordinator, Transylvania University
Katie Bouvier, Associate Attorney, Sturgill Turner Barker & Moloney
Jessica Bowman, Battalion Chief (Health & Safety Officer), Lexington Fire Department
Tiffany Michelle Brown, Equity and Implementation Officer, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Larry Cash, Associate Director for Development, UK Athletics – K Fund
Stephen Clatos, Director of Philanthropy, Bluegrass Care Navigators
Matthew DeLuca, Associate, JRA Architects
Jarrod Dungan, Vice President of Operations, KVC Kentucky
Ashleigh M. Dunsmoor, Regional Philanthropy Officer, American Red Cross – Bluegrass & Eastern KY Chapters
Bilal El-Amin, Family and Community Engagement Liaison, Fayette County Public Schools
Chris Gipson, Senior Associate, RossTarrant Architects
Tiffany Gooch, Design Consultant, Ball Homes
Hallie Hardy, Executive Director, Horse Country Inc.
Phil Jun, Director of Public Relations & Strategic Initiatives, LexArts
Ellie Lindsey, Program Manager – Fayette, Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass
Blair Martin, Financial Advisor, Baird
Betsy May, Employee Engagement Manager, Keeneland
Robin McGuffin, Member, Stites & Harbison PLLC
Jake Michul, Partner, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP
Alicia Miller, Compliance Officer, Fayette County Public Schools
Jordan Miller, Audit Manager,Blue & Co. LLC
Raine Minichan, Associate Director of Student Support Services, Fayette County Public Schools
Meredith Moore, Director of Operations & Community Partnerships, BaseHere
Ramla Osman, External Partnerships Associate, University of Kentucky
Chris Peck, President/CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass
Lanie Phillips, Financial Advisor, Triple Crown Advisors
Mark Royse, Executive Director, RADIOLEX
Chris Schmitt, Director of Marketing, CHI Saint Joseph Health
Carol Siler, Executive Director, Women Leading Kentucky
Josh Slattery, Relationship Manager, Fifth Third Bank
Kimberly Snodgrass, Assistant Principal of The Carter G. Woodson Academy, Fayette County Public Schools
Susannah Stitzer, Program Manager, University of Kentucky
Bradley Thomas, Executive Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church
Clarissa Thomas, Director of Education, Lexington Public Library
Katie Vandegrift, Director of Marketing & Research, Commerce Lexington
Lynne Washbish, Executive Director, American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter
Kenya Woods, Owner and Principal Broker, Kenwood Realty Group
Unique Young-Nutter, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, UK College of Pharmacy
