Save the date for the Community Action Kentucky 2025 Annual Conference, “Be a Catalyst for Change”. The event is happening from June 10-12, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream, Lexington, KY. Check back often as session description are added.
June 10: Pre-conference Tracks: Trauma Informed Care, Weatherization, Transportation, Aging, WIOA, Head Start.
June 11 and 12: 2-day Tracks: Case Management/Outreach, Program Management/CSBG, Executive Leadership, IT, Head Start, and External Affairs: Communications/Grant Track.
Conference sessions are scheduled from 9am - 4pm ET each day. Registration opens at 8am. Lunch is included with registration.
Hundreds of agency staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters from across the Kentucky Community Action Network will gather at this annual event. Our network reaches every corner of Kentucky, serving all 120 counties.
Our conference is an opportunity for CAA staff across the diverse roles and programs within our network to find sessions and tracks relevant to their work. Conference offerings will cover a broad spectrum of programs and provide opportunities to network. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions that will drive change.
Click here to learn more about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities.
To register for a Sponsorship or Exhibit Booth, click register.
Awards:
- Triumph of Teamwork Award: Honors a program or team within a Kentucky Community Action Agency that has shown remarkable success over the last three years.
- Heart of a Kentuckian Unsung Hero Award: Recognizes any agency staff in a non-management or non-leadership role who has gone above and beyond their job requirements to support the agency's mission. Must be submitted by Executive Director.
- Altha Jo Hamilton Volunteer Award: Honors the spirit and achievement of someone who has embraced the power of volunteerism as an opportunity to improve lives.
- Jesse Amburgey Leadership Award: Recognizes a leader who has demonstrated exceptional ability in guiding their team towards achieving the agency's mission.
Take part in CAK's Annual Conference Silent and Live Auction!
Silent Auction: Bidding will be open from June 10th to 12th. Bids close on June 12th at 1:30pm ET. Items available for bid will be located in the Ballroom Foyer.
Live Auction: This will take place on Wednesday, June 11th at 5:30pm ET in the Embassy Suites Ballroom. All alcohol will be placed in the live auction.
Kentucky Special Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Auction License, 034-TA-208786. Lexington Special Temporary Auction License, 3931
The Domestic Violence Program includes the Domestic Violence Shelter as well as Case Management and Victim Advocacy services throughout the Kentucky River Region. She holds a Master’s of Social Work from UK and been in the helping profession since 2009.
RFX has been around since 2001 making Bart an “old timer” in the technology space. Over the years Bart has been part of consulting for and planning all things technology with a strong focus on the business side of the coin.
Brittney has dedicated her career to uplifting marginalized communities. As the BOLD grant Project Manager, she leveraged her expertise to address the complex challenges faced by those living with dementia and their families.
Brynn spent 13 years at a CAA. Now at WellCare, she aids in community program development. Active in Eastern KY councils, focusing on health and community issues, such as areas like diabetes education, rural impact,behavioral and mental health, and more.
Catrena has worked in non-profit leadership for over 25 years. She has strategically grown the budget from 13 million to 26 million to serve the community in a more comprehensive way.
Christina is the Executive Director of the Madison County Public Library and KPLA Treasurer. She has worked in public libraries for 17 years, serving in various roles from adult programming to leadership and administration.
Passionate about guiding others through difficult transitions, as an HMRF/FIRE facilitator, he teaches relationship skills in prisons and rehabilitation centers. Providing people with the tools to rebuild their lives and create healthier futures.
Craig is a founding member of SimplifIT and brings over 15 years of Healthcare Information Technology experience with 7+ years of senior level leadership experience in a Fortune 100 company.
Crystal made the jump to the social sector after a decade-long career in the service industry, and has since worked in youth development, academia, eviction prevention, and Latinx service access until landing her role with Louisville's Community Action.
Mr. Dale Morgan is a native of Lexington, KY. He graduated from Henry Clay High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Eastern Kentucky University.
For more than 30 years, David Bradley has been one of Washington’s leading advocates on behalf of low-income programs. In 1981, David helped found NCAF. In this role at NCAF, David was the primary architect of the CSBG.
Denise Harlow, CCAP, is the CEO of the NCAP, a national hub that links the nation’s 1,000+ Community Action Agencies to each another and to federal, state, and local leaders looking to connect Americans to greater opportunity.
She has worked with grants over the last 15 years as a grant reviewer, federal grant administrator, compliance monitor & reporter, non-profit grant writer, and freelance writer for non-profit and for-profit agencies in the helping profession industry.
Hilary supports the needs of Kentucky’s public library staff related to the topics of workforce development, adult, and outreach services.
She is a co-creator of its Let’s Learn KY initiative. She has been in the field of early childhood education for more than 20 years. Holly loves to create and implement engaging high-quality professional learning for early childhood educators.
She is responsible for overseeing the agency’s efforts to support the developmental, social, emotional, health, and family needs of nearly 3,000 children and families throughout a 15-county service area in Kentucky.
Joseph “Joe” Parker serves as a Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), based in Huntsville, AL.
John (Deputy Director at KRFDC Inc.) supports daily operations, program planning, and staff coordination. He works closely with teams across the organization to keep things running smoothly.
He has worked for Head Start since 2015. Justin completed his Bachelor's Degree from Lee University and a Masters of Education in IECE Instructional Leadership from EKU. Justin recently won the Region IV Vanessa Rich Leadership Award in 2023.
Kareem is a community development not-for-profit professional with 21 years of experience as a community enthusiast and a student of organizational leadership.
For 26 years, Karen has been a storyteller, connector, and advocate for Kentucky River Foothills. She leverages her public relations expertise to amplify voices, share transformative stories, and support the agency's growth alongside the community.
For the past 30 months, he has served as a Case Manager/Facilitator for the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood program. His dedication to helping others has always been guided by the Golden Rule—treating others as he would want to be treated.
With over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Kelsey Turley is passionate about Head Start and the difference it makes in the lives of children and families all throughout the Bluegrass state.
Throughout his career, he has excelled in various key roles, such as Housing/WX Director, IT Director, Social Services Director, and CEO. Known for his leadership and dedication, Kris has represented his state and network on national committees.
Kristy is a senior manager in Wipfli’s client advisory service line. She uses her nearly 20 years of experience working at a Community Action Agency to help nonprofit organizations and their boards meet their goals and objectives.
Laura worked at CHFS and PCAK. Now at WellCare, she facilitates public health training, focusing on systemic change. Holding degrees in Social Work, Theology, and Public Administration, she's driving impactful changes.
Chief Weathers, a native of Lexington Kentucky, joined the Lexington Police Department in 1989. On March 4, 2018 Lawrence Weathers was sworn in as Chief of Police of the Lexington Police Department.
She oversees many of the more than 40 programs and services the Council operates. Her team is responsible for operating the agency’s seven local Community Centers.
Lesa Dennis was appointed Commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services by Gov. Andy Beshear on June 16, 2023.
Lucy’s broadcast journalism career began in the place she calls home, Eastern Ky. Through college, she worked part-time as a reporter and producer for WYMT-TV in Hazard. July 2023, she joined the WKYT morning team.
Maribeth has proudly served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels. She is a CCAP, PMP, NCRT.
An educator in grant writing since 2016, Melissa is among only 12 individuals in Kentucky to earn the Grant Professional Certification from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute.
With the HMRF grants, he servs clients in the community, the incarcerated, and those in substance use rehabilitation. He has touch the lives of hundreds of clients by providing education, inspiration, and personalized individual development plans.
Phyllis has been working with diverse populations and services for over 37 years. She has spent her career advocating for those who are marginalized and feel they don’t have a voice or options.
She brought her skills to NKCAC in 2016, and has been directing the agency’s senior programming, volunteer coordination, the marketing efforts, and the fundraising strategy since then.
Samuel is a dedicated pastor, workforce development director, and motivational leader hailing from Barbourville. With a heart for service and transformation, he has devoted much of his life to helping others achieve their potential and reach their dreams.
Sean serves as the Chief Operating Officer at RFX, also overseeing technical business relations, with over 10 years of technology field experience. Sean has obtained CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ certifications.
Stephanie has a 29-year career history with nonprofits in Kentucky. She began with Heart of Kentucky United Way (HKUW) in 2012 as their Executive Director.
She has been the Executive Director of Bullitt County Public Library since 2022. With a strong background in library leadership, she is dedicated to supporting workforce development through job training, career resources, and GED testing.
Tawny is currently LKLP's Executive Director. As Program Development Director, she secured over half a billion dollars in grants and launched numerous impactful programs, leveraging her expertise in compliance, transportation, and community development.
Taylor holds a bachelor of arts degree in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University. At NKCAC since January 2022, she handles social media, media relations, collateral development, event planning, and other promotional initiatives.
She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) in the state of Kentucky. Terrah obtained her license in 2009. She holds a Master’s of Education in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College.
He oversees KYDaD Academy & CCFF's Mini-Grant program. These programs distributed over $275K in grants, trained 48 fatherhood ambassadors in 50 KY counties. Impacted 639 fathers & exposed 1,645 to responsible fatherhood concepts.
No records found.
AmeriHealth Caritas is a national leader in health care solutions for people who are at a low income level and/or are chronically ill.
Our vision is for Atmos Energy to be the safest provider of natural gas services. We will be recognized for Exceptional Customer Service, for being a Great Employer and for achieving Superior Financial Results.
We offer CDL Classes and Heavy Equipment Training. We are a 501(c)(3) Public Safety Charitable Organization, in London KY and our mission is to provide training to promote safe, educated, commercial drivers.
Early Learning is an essential element for improving education, workforce and life for Kentuckians. With a variety of resources for children, families and educators, KET helps prepare our youngest citizens to transition to kindergarten.
We create award-winning educational products for schools and families to provide a high-quality education for every child.
Miracle Playgrounds of Ky. & Tn.
Kentucky and Tennessee's premier dealer of playgrounds and park equipment.
Since 1945, Mutual of America has specialized in providing small and mid-sized not-for-profit organizations and companies with pension- and retirement-related services, along with leading customer support.
No records found.