4th District State Representative Wade Williams
4th District State Representative Wade Williams of Madisonville has been selected to participate in the 2025 Henry Toll Fellowship, one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for state government officials.
In a written statement, Rep. Williams said he is deeply honored to be chosen for the Toll Fellowship. He said this program represents an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and bring back new ideas that will benefit the people of his district and Kentucky. He said he looks forward to representing Kentucky and working alongside leaders from across the nation.
The Toll Fellowship, hosted by the Council of State Governments, is a highly competitive program that brings together 48 of the nation’s top state officials each year. The weeklong program aims to enhance the leadership abilities of emerging leaders from around the country, providing intensive training, policy discussions, and opportunities for collaboration with peers from every branch of state government.
Williams is currently serving his second term as state representative for the 4th House District, which covers all of Hopkins County. He is a retired Madisonville Chief of Police and a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service, including active duty and reserve time during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tenure as police chief, Madisonville was ranked the second safest city to live in Kentucky. As a member of the Kentucky House, officials say Williams has built a reputation for strengthening the state’s workforce, advancing public safety, and working to reduce the state’s individual income tax.
House Speaker David Osborne congratulated Williams on the announcement, stating that Williams is an outstanding leader whose thoughtful approach and commitment to his constituents make him an excellent choice for the Toll Fellowship. Osborne expressed his confidence that Williams will represent Kentucky well and bring back valuable insights to strengthen our work in the General Assembly.
Established in 1986, the Toll Fellowship has helped shape a generation of influential state leaders, including governors, legislative leaders, and supreme court justices. Officials said Rep. Williams’s selection highlights his dedication to strong, forward-thinking leadership in the Commonwealth.
For more information about the Council of State Governments and the Toll Fellowship, visit www.csg.org.
