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Putting Leadership into Action, Solutions into Place.

About the Program

The Bingham Fellows program is the advanced leadership program of the Leadership Louisville Center.  It was created in 1988 through a $500,000 endowment from the Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Fund. The participants are social entrepreneurs who have both a vision and the ability to assemble the resources required to implement that vision to address obvious social needs.  Now in its 21st year, the Bingham Fellows have had an impressive track record of providing emerging issues with visibility and momentum.

In recent years, they’ve contributed to the development of a long-term vision for our community, enhanced environmental responsibility through initiatives at the grassroots and policy levels, worked to attract and retain talent with an internship program now managed by Greater Louisville Inc. and helped form the Kentucky Indiana Exchange, a regional leadership coalition.  The impact of the Fellows goes back to the 1990s with the creation of The Housing Partnership, construction of the Presbyterian Community Center, growth of local farmers’ markets and numerous other positive outcomes. See highlights of the Bingham Fellows outcomes since 1989.

  • “Bingham Fellows provided an opportunity like no other to connect with top leadership around a community issue. My organization was able to contribute to a larger movement and have access to expertise and additional partners that will increase our impact in the community.”
    Steve Tarver, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Louisville

  • “The business contacts and relationships we made are sure to create win-win scenarios. On top of this, we came together to make Louisville a top metropolitan city, an aspiration important to my business and my family.”
    Teresa L. Bridgewaters, President – The Mardrian Group, Inc.

  • “My employer takes its community responsibilities seriously and participates in a wide variety of projects and organizations. If the Louisville region is to thrive in a global economy, we all must participate to ensure an outstanding workforce and an attractive ‘quality of life.’”
    Kevin S. Wardell, President – Norton Hospital

How Individuals Benefit

  • You’ll have the rare opportunity to make a significant difference while putting your leadership skills to the test.
  • Gain recognition as a community leader providing solutions for tough civic challenges.
  • You’ll work with a unique gathering of experts and civilians and gain insights from leaders on particular topics or issues.

Read what our Bingham Fellows bloggers say about the experience.

How Organizations Benefit

  • Your organization will gain an insider’s view and new insights to particular community issues.
  • There’s simply no better way to meet and work with the area’s top experts and key players.
  • The program provides advanced leadership experience in thinking big and effecting change.

Time commitment: A two-day opening retreat followed by one full day a month for eight months, plus two 1/2 days. Additional time is spent outside of class on projects.

Who should Apply

Community leaders who have expertise or have a strong interest in the Bingham Fellows topic along with a commitment towards positive change should apply. Bingham Fellows participants are typically graduates of other Leadership Louisville Center programs including Focus Louisville, Ignite Louisville, Leadership Louisville and the Leadership Network. Graduates of other community and state leadership programs are also encouraged to participate. Refer a friend or colleague

How to Apply

Applications for the 2013 Bingham Fellows class are now closed. The online application considers subject matter expertise, career experience, past Leadership Louisville Center program experience and responses to essay questions. Applications for the 2014 Bingham Fellows class will open in Fall 2013.

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Contact Info & FAQ

See Frequently Asked Questions about Bingham Fellows or contact Jennifer Stevens at (502) 561-0458 or via email.