From Classroom to Industry: Patton Leadership Institute Explores Leadership in Johnson County

PAINTSVILLE, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Patton Leadership Institute visited Johnson County on April 2 for a day focused on the regional impact of education and workforce development.

The session began at the Big Sandy Community & Technical College Mayo Campus in Paintsville, where participants were welcomed by Dr. Todd Brand, president and CEO of BSCTC. Brand shared his perspective on leadership, drawing from his diverse professional background, including experience coaching basketball and directing theatre. He emphasized how those roles helped shape his leadership style, particularly in building relationships, communicating effectively, and adapting to challenges in the workplace.

Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie addressed the group, speaking on economic development and the importance of service-driven leadership.

“Johnson County is my home, it’s been good to me, and I hope to be good to it,” McKenzie said. He encouraged participants to lead with integrity and purpose, urging them to “do the right thing and serve people as everyone deserves to be served in your community.”

While at BSCTC, participants toured the technical programs of the Mayo Campus, where students receive hands-on training in welding, carpentry, electrical work, and more. The tour provided a firsthand look at how workforce development initiatives are preparing students for in-demand careers across the region.

The group also heard from Mavis Williamson of Maxwell Certified Leadership, who spoke on the importance of self-awareness in leadership and encouraged participants to regularly check in with themselves in their roles as leaders.

In the afternoon, the group traveled to the Eastern Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute or eKAMI, where Executive Director Barbie Bussey offered a tour of the facility. Attendees observed students and staff engaged in hands-on training with advanced robotics and machinery, highlighting the role of innovative programming in strengthening the regional workforce.

The day concluded with a visit to the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum. Participants toured the facility and head from Paintsville Tourism Director Brooke LeMonds, who spoke about the impact of tourism on local economic development and cultural preservation.

The Johnson County session provided Patton Leadership Institute participants with valuable insight into how leadership across education, industry, and tourism contributes to the growth and success of Eastern Kentucky as a whole.

The Patton Leadership Institute, facilitated by Southeast Kentucky Chamber, is a regional leadership program designed to develop informed, engaged leaders committed to shaping the future of the region.
For more information about Patton Leadership Institute and other Southeast Kentucky Chamber programs, visit ww.sekchamber.com