Leadership Paducah
Leadership Paducah is a leadership development program coordinated by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1984, the participants selected for 2025-26 will be Class #39. The program is directed towards individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities and exposes them to a variety of topics and issues to better understand our community. It is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
From applications submitted, approximately 30-35 individuals are chosen each year to participate. The program kicks off with a retreat in August and monthly sessions continue through May. A graduation ceremony is held at the Chamber’s Power in Partnership Breakfast in June. During the monthly sessions the participants study the community through tours and presentations. Leadership enrichment programs are incorporated in the classes.
Leadership Class #39 has been selected - watch this page in 2026 for information on Class #40 registration!
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Each year as a way to give back to the community, the class selects a community project to benefit a Chamber member non-profit organization. The pictures below represent some of the wonderful recipients.
Leadership Paducah Class #38 presents the proceeds from their class project to Family Service Society.
Leadership Paducah Class #37 presents the proceeds from their class project to Paducah Day Nursery.
Leadership Paducah Class #36 presents the proceeds from their class project to Paducah Day Nursery.
Leadership Paducah Class #35 presents the proceeds from their class project to Child Watch.
Leadership Paducah Class #34 presents the proceeds ($111,220) from their class project to Lifeline Recovery Center.
Leadership Paducah Class #33 presents the funds from their class project to Starfish Orphan Ministry.
Leadership Paducah Class #32 presents the funds from their class project to Habitat for Humanity.
Leadership Paducah Class #31 presents the funds from their class project to the Columbia Theatre Restoration Project.
Terrance Adams with Leadership Paducah Class #30 presents the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club with the funds from their class project.
Patrick Whalen of Leadership Class #29 presents a check to Jessie Meiser of Easter Seals West Kentucky.
Mary Foley with Merryman House thanks Leadership Paducah Class #28 after receiving the funds raised from their class project.
Leadership Paducah Class #27 members Kim Beanland & Jim Dudley (left & center) present the funds raised from their class project to Judy McKeel from Child Watch for their CASA program.
Matt Snow (right) with Leadership Paducah Class #26 presents the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club with the funds from their class project.
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The Leadership Paducah experience does not end at graduation.
Graduates of the Leadership Paducah program are encouraged to join the Leadership Paducah Alumni Association. (LPAA). LPAA is a nonprofit organization committed to providing a forum to introduce current and future leaders to the qualities, attributes, and challenges of the Paducah/McCracken County area. The LPAA provides an informational network and a mechanism for maintaining contact that includes a web site membership directory and semi-annual newsletter.
LPAA annual dues are $35.
Each year the LPAA presents the annual “Outstanding Leadership Paducah Alum Award” at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in January. The Board Members also coordinate the Youth L.E.A.D. program and sponsor the national Leadercast simulcast program in May.
Pay your LPAA Annual Dues here!
