Leadership Winchester 2025 Application Deadline

Ever wonder how Clark County really works? Who grows the food, builds the businesses, plans the parks, or keeps things running behind the scenes? What if there was a program that gave you an all-access pass to the people, places, and industries that shape our community?

Leadership Winchester-Clark County is an immersive, 10-month program designed to bring together people who care and want to know more about our community. Each month, you’ll step into a new sector, meet the folks making a difference, and see what makes Clark County tick. It’s not just what you learn—it’s who you’ll meet and what you’ll come to appreciate about the place we call home.

Whether you’re leading a business, a nonprofit, a public service, or simply want to be more involved this program is for you. Each full-day session gives participants a deeper look at the people, industries, and institutions that shape our county’s success.

Deadline to Apply is August 29, 2025
Click Here to Submit Your Application Online

Schedule Preview:

September / Orientation with Virgil Grant
October / Local Government with Greg Yates
November / Non-Profits Host with Halee Cunningham and Chelsea Reese
December / Health Services with Matt Smith
January / Economic Development with Brad Sowden
February / State Government with JoEllen Reed
March / Education with Kelly Fithen
April / Tourism with Jill Hamlin
May / Agriculture with Lauren Mink
Graduation Celebration TBA

To meet graduation requirements, you must attend eight of the nine full-day sessions. 
In order to provide the best experience for attendees, space is limited to no more than 30 participants.

Tuition for Leadership Winchester-Clark County is $550 which covers application fee and all program costs including meals. You, your company, or a sponsor will be billed for this fee by the Winchester Clark County Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships available.

Click on the application link (JotForm) to start your application now!
https://form.jotform.com/251594503068156

Program Information

What should I expect? Each month, you and your classmates will hop aboard private transportation for a full day of hands-on exploration. Guided by a local leader from that month’s featured sector, you'll visit key sites, meet the people behind the scenes, and get an insider’s look at what keeps Clark County (and sometimes Frankfort!) moving. From classrooms to farms, boardrooms to backstage, every day offers something new—and yes, lunch is included, courtesy of local restaurants and caterers.

What is the time commitment? Our program meets from 8am - 4pm once a month from September through June. You are expected to attend at least eight of these sessions.

Who is eligble to apply? YOU! Leadership Winchester is open to professionals, entrepreneurs, students, retirees, and emerging leaders. Whether you're a Chamber member or not, we welcome you to join us. The only requirement is you must live or work in Winchester or Clark County Kentucky.

What is the cost? Tuition for Leadership Winchester is $550, which covers all transportation, meals, and entry fees throughout the program. In addition there is a a $50 application fee is due when you apply. Scholarships are available for those with demonstrated need. 

Why Leadership Winchester-Clark County? Because connecting to your community is the first step to leading it. Leadership Winchester-Clark County gives you the unique opportunity to go beyond your own sector and see the full picture—meeting the people, places, and programs that make our county thrive. You'll build lasting relationships, gain insider access, and walk away with a deeper sense of how you can contribute.
It’s also part of a statewide initiative supported by Chambers of Commerce across Kentucky, building stronger local leadership by connecting people to the heartbeat of their hometowns. Joining Leadership Winchester-Clark County is a step towards connecting with a broader network of leaders across the Commonwealth.

Click Here to Submit Your Application Online