LEXINGTON, Ky. — Commerce Lexington Inc. has recognized the latest class of 51 graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Lexington program presented by Community Trust Bank, according to a celebration held on June 4 at Transylvania University.

The class completed its final day session at the W.T. Young Campus Center, where members reported on community projects and participated in a leadership development session with Jason Cummins of Horizon Performance. A graduation ceremony followed at Transylvania's Campus Center Ballroom, where Fayette District Judge Melissa Moore Murphy, a 2016 program graduate, delivered the keynote address.

Leadership Lexington, which has cultivated leaders since 1979, remains one of Lexington's most competitive professional development programs. The 11-month program begins with an orientation retreat in August and includes monthly full-day sessions through June. Participants complete up to four community projects addressing issues ranging from public art to hunger relief and community engagement.

"The Leadership Lexington Class of 2026 is an engaged, collaborative, and community-minded group of leaders," said Tyra Harbut, Commerce Lexington's Director of Leadership Development. She noted that class members brought diverse perspectives and talents that created meaningful conversations and valuable professional connections throughout the program year.

The program remains selective, admitting approximately 50 participants annually from the greater Lexington area. Prospective participants must work in the region and maintain membership through Commerce Lexington to apply. Following the graduation ceremony, new graduates were invited to a reception organized by the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association, joining a network of more than 1,800 program graduates.