05/23/2026
Leadership Kentucky has named Marion County native and Lebanon resident Melissa Knight as Chair of its 2026 Board of Directors, placing a local banking leader at the helm of one of the nation’s oldest statewide leadership development organizations.
Leadership Kentucky announced Monday that Knight, President of Farmers National Bank, will lead the organization’s Board of Directors during 2026 as it continues its mission of developing leaders across the Commonwealth.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as Chair of the Leadership Kentucky Board in 2026 and to carry forward the legacy of an organization that has played such a vital role in developing leaders across our Commonwealth,” Knight said in the announcement. “I am excited to work alongside our dedicated board members, engaged alumni network, and talented staff as we continue to strengthen our impact, expand opportunities, and shape a bright future for Leadership Kentucky.”
Knight is a graduate of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2015 and currently resides in Lebanon with her husband, Will. The couple has four sons and one daughter.
Leadership Kentucky, headquartered in Frankfort, is recognized as one of the premier statewide leadership programs in the country, bringing together professionals from business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors to study issues impacting Kentucky communities.