The City of Madisonville has announced that Deputy City Administrator Brad Long has graduated from the Kentucky Chamber’s Fellowship for Civic Leadership.
The statewide program is designed to equip business leaders, future public officials, and engaged citizens with the tools to make a positive difference in their communities.
According to Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Daves, the Kentucky Chamber introduced the Fellowship for Civic Leadership in 2024, with the inaugural class graduating in August 2025. The program is designed to boost civic engagement throughout the Commonwealth and inspire more business professionals to consider public service roles. Throughout the fellowship, participants interacted with elected leaders, policy experts, and campaign professionals, while also forging valuable relationships with peers from across Kentucky.
In a written statement, Long said the Fellowship for Civic Leadership was an invaluable experience that gave him a clearer understanding of what it takes to serve effectively, whether in elected office or through community leadership. Long said it connected him with experienced leaders from across Kentucky, provided practical tools he can use to make a positive impact, and inspired him to be more engaged in shaping the future of his community.
The program’s fellows come from a wide range of industries and regions, united by a shared commitment to strengthening Kentucky through principled leadership and service grounded in the values of free enterprise.
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts said they are proud to celebrate the first graduates of the Fellowship for Civic Leadership. She noted that the program was created to encourage more leaders to step forward in service to their communities, and its impact will grow as fellows put their skills, relationships, and experiences into action. She said they believe the benefits of their leadership will be felt across Kentucky for many years to come.
To learn more about the Fellowship for Civic Leadership, visit https://www.kychamber.com/fellowshipcivicleadership.
