The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce announced they have hired Frank Bennett as the Executive Director for The Leadership Center, a program of the Chamber. Bennett will serve as the first full time Director for the Center, which was launched as a new initiative in 2022. “Having a full-time person devoted to the Center will allow the Chamber to expand with new programs and enhance the current leadership programs of the Chamber,” said Sandra Wilson, Chamber President and CEO. “Frank’s passion for the importance of leadership studies and training will be very beneficial in working with our local businesses and individuals who are looking to reach the next level of leadership capabilities.” 

Bennett brings a wealth of experience to his new role having advised, taught, written, and served in leadership roles for over 20 years. He has written hundreds of articles on business topics. In 2007, he wrote the book The Breathing Organization:  Essentials of Successful Leadership about building and leading effective organizational cultures. He is currently working on a second book on leadership and innovation scheduled for release in 2025. 

He is most well known in Paducah for the decade he served as the Chief Executive Officer of The National Quilt Museum from 2011 to 2021. During his tenure with the museum, they experienced record growth in attendance, revenues, and program involvement.  For most of his career, he has been a consultant and advisor, having helped over 300 for-profit and nonprofit organizations with leadership and strategy initiatives. Since 2021 he has served as the Western Kentucky Government Procurement Consultant with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator.   

Bennett said, “Regardless if you are attempting to solve global economic and societal issues or working in a three-person project group at a small company, leadership is the driving force that reimagines current realities, breaks through barriers, and inspires action. The more tools we have to be effective leaders, the more everyone benefits.” 

Bennett holds over a dozen degrees and certifications including a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Northern Kentucky University, certifications in Sustainable Business Strategy and Disruptive Business Strategy from Harvard Business School, and a certification in Fundraising Management from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.   

He will join the Chamber on June 1.