2024 KLC Award Winners

The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) proudly recognized exemplary city officials and employees during the 2024 KLC Conference & Expo, celebrating their commitment to local government, innovative leadership, and dedication to their communities. Winners of the 2024 KLC and LEAD Awards set the bar high for public service, embodying the spirit of Kentucky's cities and their unwavering drive for improvement.

City Government of the Year: Bowling Green

An independent panel of judges named the City of Bowling Green the 2024 City Government of the Year for its exceptional achievements, including being ranked #1 in the nation for economic development among cities under 200,000 by Site Selection Magazine. The city elevated its services with forward-thinking initiatives, such as establishing a comprehensive training hub for emergency responders and launching a mental health and resiliency program. Additionally, the city's BeautifI-65 project and redevelopment of the Life Navigation Center demonstrate Bowling Green's commitment to long-term growth, resiliency, and revitalization following the 2021 tornadoes.

Elected Official of the Year: Cynthiana Mayor James Smith

Cynthiana Mayor James Smith was honored as the 2024 KLC Elected Official of the Year. A lifelong resident of Cynthiana, Mayor Smith has served his city for more than a decade, securing nearly $20 million in grants for parks, infrastructure, and economic development. He led the establishment of the city's first tourism commission and revitalized downtown Cynthiana. Known for his hands-on leadership, Mayor Smith personally assists with various community projects, embodying a servant-leader approach that has led to significant improvements across the city.

City Employee of the Year: Pikeville Deputy City Manager Bradley Slone

Pikeville Deputy City Manager Bradley Slone received the 2024 KLC City Employee of the Year Award for his compassionate leadership and dedication to public service. Since joining the city in 2017, Slone has been an instrumental figure in various projects, including constructing a new fire station and a pedestrian tunnel and upgrading the city's infrastructure. His leadership was pivotal in transforming Pikeville into a Gigabit City and making it more accessible with ADA-compliant playground equipment. Slone's community-minded approach and visionary thinking have positioned Pikeville for future success.

LEAD Award Winners: Mayors Billy Phelps and Dwayne Hatcher

Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps and Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher received the 2024 Ann C. Deatherage LEAD Award, which recognizes mayors prioritizing continuing education as a core component of their leadership. Both mayors were among a handful of city officials to receive the prestigious Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation during the 2024 KLC Conference & Expo. Mayor Phelps had 51.75 hours of specialized city-focused education, and Mayor Hatcher amassed more than 57 hours.

KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney applauded all the winners for their hard work and dedication. "These award recipients are shining examples of the leadership, vision, and commitment that make Kentucky cities strong," he said. "Their passion for serving their communities and their ability to create lasting, positive impacts reflect the very best of what local government can accomplish. KLC is proud to honor their achievements, and I look forward to seeing how their efforts will continue to shape the future of our cities."