Patton Leadership Institute Concludes Regional Tour in Floyd County

PRESTONSBURG, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2026 concluded its final monthly session on Thursday, June 4, with a day of leadership development across Floyd County.

The day began at the Appalachian Wireless Corporate Offices, where participants received an introduction to the company, its history, and role in serving Eastern Kentucky. The group gained insight into the technical operations of Appalachian Wireless, including a behind-the-scenes look at its technical facilities and data center.

“Appalachian Wireless stands out to and seems like a great place to work,” said Karen Spear, Program Director at WestCare Kentucky and a PLI participant. “Everyone I met seemed genuinely happy, supportive, and committed to working together as a team. It’s inspiring to see an organization that not only values its employees but is also investing in innovative solutions and opportunities that will help create a brighter future for our region.”

Following lunch, the class traveled to the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg for an afternoon focused on public service and regional development.

Participants first heard from Angie Dorsey, Executive Director of AppalReD Legal Aid, who provided an overview of the organization’s mission to deliver free civil legal services to Kentuckians across Southeastern Kentucky. Dorsey discussed the impact of legal aid services and the importance of ensuring access to justice throughout the region.

The group then welcomed Representative Ashley Tackett Laferty, who represents Kentucky’s 95^th House District, encompassing Floyd County and portions of Pike County. Representative Laferty shared reflections on her experience serving in the Kentucky General Assembly, the responsibility of community leadership, and her plans to return to full-time work in Eastern Kentucky.

Participants also heard from Lauren McCoart, Executive Director of Prestonsburg Tourism, who discussed recent tourism initiatives and community programming, including the success of P-Burger Week and upcoming improvements at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.

Regional infrastructure and transportation were the focus of a presentation by John Michael Johnson, Project Manager with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 12 office. Johnson provided updates on major transportation projects, highlighted the realization of the Future 460 corridor, and discussed the effects of the recent freeze on Kentucky’s gas tax, a key funding source for state and local transportation projects.

The session concluded with a guided tour of the Mountain Arts Center led by Executive Director Joe Campbell. Participants explored the facility’s backstage operations, observed a photoshoot taking place on the main stage, and received a glimpse inside the center’s professional recording studio.

The Floyd County session marked the final educational day of the Patton Leadership Institute for the Class of 2026. Throughout the program year, participants traveled across Southeast Kentucky, meeting with community leaders, business executives, educators, healthcare professionals, and public officials to gain a deeper understanding of the region and strengthen their leadership skills.

“Participating in the Patton Leadership Institute has been an incredible experience,” said Amanda Goble, Assistant Vice President of Physician Practices with Pikeville Medical Center. “Traveling throughout Southeast Kentucky and learning firsthand about the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities within each county provided a deeper appreciation for our region. Hearing from local officials, business owners and community leaders offered valuable insight, but the friendships and connections built along the way have been equally meaningful and will last well beyond the program.”

The Patton Leadership Institute Class of 2026 will formally conclude its program year with a graduation and certificate presentation during the Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s 2026 Annual Awards Night on September 17.

The Patton Leadership Institute is the Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s premier leadership development program, designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and effective leaders committed to the future of Southeast Kentucky.