TVA launches Kentucky leadership academy with local leaders included
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has launched its first Kentucky-based leadership academy, bringing together community leaders, including several from south central Kentucky, to strengthen collaboration on energy, infrastructure and economic development.
Ten participants from TVA’s Kentucky service territory make up the inaugural class of the Kentucky TVA Leadership Academy. The group includes several local leaders from the Bowling Green area and surrounding communities, alongside representatives from business, education and regional organizations.
Participants will travel across the Tennessee Valley this summer to learn how the nation’s largest public power provider delivers reliable power, supports economic growth and manages the Tennessee River system for flood control, navigation and recreation.
“The goal of our Leadership Academy is to provide a more in-depth look at TVA and our mission to serve 10 million people of the Tennessee Valley,” said Virginia Gray, TVA’s government and community relations director for Kentucky. “Participants will build networks and connectivity to new peers in south central and western Kentucky.”
The first class of the Kentucky TVA Leadership Academy is as follows:
- Wendy Baxter, Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce
- Brent Childers, City of Bowling Green
- Kenneth “Pete” Galloway, West Kentucky RECC and Purchase Area Development District
- Kelly Gates, Christian County Public Schools
- Scott Lindsey, Edmonson County Fiscal Court
- Keith Martin, Houchens Food Group
- Margaret Prim, Pennyroyal Arts Council
- Jessica Scillian, Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce
- Jaime Smith, Lyon County Fiscal Court
- Walker Thomas, District 8 Kentucky State Representative
The program is designed to foster collaboration on energy and infrastructure challenges while encouraging transparent communication between TVA, local governments and regional stakeholders.
Participants will also hear from TVA experts on energy policy, grid modernization, sustainability and community impact, with organizers hoping the program builds long-term partnerships to support regional resilience and economic development.
