ELEVATE Kentucky 2025 Visits Pikeville
Written by: Molly Thompson, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Programs & Public Policy Director
From May 6 to 8, the ELEVATE Kentucky Class of 2025 headed to Pikeville for our second session. For many of us, it was our first time visiting this part of the state, and it ended up being one of those experiences that sticks with you for all the right reasons.
We kicked things off at the Overlook Center with a welcome from Jordan Gibson, President and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and a 2018 LKY alum. He gave us a great look at Pikeville’s history and shared the backstory behind Hillbilly Days, one of Kentucky’s largest festivals. From there, our class shared personal updates – what we’re working on, what we’re proud of, and what we’re hoping to tackle next. From career moves to continuing education, our class is staying busy!
Dr. Jordyne Carmack, a 2023 Elevate alum, led a personal branding session for our group. She broke down how to show up authentically in both professional and digital spaces, and how AI is already reshaping what people learn about us before we even meet them.
We also had the chance to hear from Dr. Burton Webb and Dr. Lori Werth from the University of Pikeville. These two were a true dynamic duo, finishing each other’s sentences and offering honest, real leadership lessons. It’s incredible to hear the stories behind and see the physical changes of UPIKE’s recent growth.
That night, we gathered back at the Overlook Center for a reception where we could mix and mingle with speakers and alumni of LKY programs who call Pikeville home. For our dinner program, we heard from Rusty Justice and Payton May with BitSource. Their story of transitioning coal miners into tech careers is impressive on its own, but it was even more powerful to hear the impact from Jamie Adams (a coal miner-turned-coder) firsthand on the doors BitSource has opened in his life.
Wednesday was dedicated to our Simulated Society Experience (SIMSOC), led by the team at Well Said Public Relations. I won’t give away too much since we’re sworn to keep it under wraps, but it was equal parts frustrating, humbling, and eye-opening. Never underestimate the power of breaking bread with your neighbors.
After SIMSOC, we had time to check out downtown Pikeville and all it has to offer. We broke up into groups to complete a scavenger hunt before heading to Dueling Barrels for a much-needed, casual dinner together.
Thursday morning, we wrapped things up at the University of Pikeville with Dr. Amanda Slone. As a Pikeville native, she spoke with both honesty and pride about the region, its history, and how stereotypes and perceptions shape communities. It was one of those conversations that made you stop and rethink your own assumptions.
We finished the session on a SIMSOC debrief with Janice and we love when “Janice Way has something to say!” All credit goes to the incredible Karen for the creative phrasing. Karen also rounded out our time in Pikeville with a great session on courageous conversations. It was practical, honest advice that every leader needs.
Our time in Pikeville was a perfect mix of leadership lessons, real conversations, and some good laughs in between. To no one’s surprise, Karen, Jennifer, and Janice did a phenomenal job once again in crafting a meaningful and engaging experience for our group. Time has flown and it is hard to believe we’ll be wrapping up our program at the next session!
