GLASGOW, Ky. — Eighteen people from across Barren County have been selected for the 2026/2027 Leadership Barren County class.

The class, announced by Barren Inc. and the Chamber Foundation Board, is the 35th class since the program began in 1991. More than 500 people have graduated from the Leadership Barren County program.

The nine-month program is designed to give participants a closer look at the people, organizations and systems that shape Barren County while developing leadership skills and encouraging community involvement.

“This year’s class brings together an impressive group of individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to Barren County,” said Ryan Hinkley, chair of the Chamber Foundation Board. “Throughout the program, participants will strengthen their leadership skills, form valuable connections, and discover new ways to make a lasting impact in our community.”

Members of the 2026/2027 class are:

• Gabriel Adams, Top Roofing
• Jasmine Beaty, Barren County Family YMCA
• Kirk Brooks, Glasgow Electric Plant Board
• Molly Caswell, Barren County Schools
• Chad Childress, Lyons Company
• Brennan Crain, Barrenside
• Reagan Dabney, Commonwealth Engineers Inc.
• Donnie Franklin, Lyons Company
• Tania Gonzalez, La Nacional
• Faye Jessie, T.J. Regional Health
• Whitney Laurie, Glasgow Independent Schools
• Kellie Lee, Glasgow Independent Schools
• Heather Mattox, T.J. Regional Health
• Angie Rush, Barren County Schools
• Elijah Sharp, Barren River Area Safe Space Inc.
• Konagher Smith, Keller Williams First Choice Realty
• Dylan Wells-Hardy, Nemak USA
• Joshua Wells-Hardy, T.J. Regional Health

Over the next nine months, participants will take part in immersive sessions focused on Barren County. The sessions will include firsthand experiences, conversations and collaborative learning intended to give participants a deeper understanding of the community and identify opportunities for service and leadership.

The class will also work together on a community impact project benefiting a local nonprofit organization or educational institution.

Barren Inc. and the Chamber Foundation Board will support the participants throughout the program.

Leadership Barren County is part of Lead Forward, a program of the Barren County Chamber Foundation. The foundation also operates Leaders of the Future and supports initiatives focused on leadership, workforce development and community engagement.

For more information about Leadership Barren County, visit Barren Inc.