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Program Summary

Named in honor of the leadership that Kentucky Governor Paul and Judi Patton have exhibited throughout their careers. Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) is a regional leadership development program that covers eight eastern Kentucky counties. PLI builds cohorts of emerging leaders from throughout the region, who have assumed leadership roles in their communities but may not hold established positions.

Participants in the program attend a two-day opening retreat and eight day-long sessions. The curriculum weaves together topics crucial to the development of community such as education, economic development, health care, energy, tourism, and government. Key leadership skills are integrated into each session.

Program Philosophy

PLI focuses on a set of core ideas pertaining to the creation of leaders in rural communities:

  1. Focus on personal and professional development.
  2. Educate individuals on the assets of Eastern Kentucky.
  3. Develop, grow, and strengthen leadership skills.
  4. Engage with business and community leaders and each other.

"I honestly think PLI is an amazing program. This really helped me get out of my shell." 

- Shane, Class of 2024

Session Dates

The program runs from October through June each year. Sessions are typically held the first Thursday of each month and run from 9am-5pm. The program kicks-off with a two-day overnight retreat. Destinations subject to change.

2024-2025 Sessions

  • October 3 & 4 - Breaks Interstate Park
  • November 7 - Magoffin Co.
  • December 5 - Martin Co.
  • January 9 - Floyd Co.
  • February 6 - Frankfort
  • March 6 - Pike Co
  • April 3 - Johnson Co.
  • May 8 - Letcher Co.
  • June 5 - Lawrence Co.

Program Tuition

Southeast Kentucky Chamber members receive members only pricing of $750 for tuition. Non-member program tuition is $1,000.

Program tuition includes:

  • All Meals
  • Reading and study materials
  • Entrance fees at all destinations
  • Program speakers and facilitators
  • Lodging (during opening retreat)

Patton Leadership Institute consists of a two-day mandatory Opening Retreat in October, and monthly one-day sessions beginning in October and ending in June that take place in various communities across the Eastern Kentucky.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants missing more than two session may be asked to withdraw or involuntarily removed from the program and tuition shall not be refunded.

2023-2024 Program Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor: Food City

Gold Sponsors: Appalachian Wireless, Kentucky Power, University of Pikeville

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