Henderson Leadership Initiative

05/01/2026

Check out this really great video that Spartan Productions created to help us reflect on 20 years of HLI! ✨🎥

04/29/2026

What an incredible day celebrating 20 years of HLI! The 20 Year Celebration Luncheon was a huge success, and it truly reflected the impact this program has had on our community over the years.

A heartfelt thank you to Rogers Group Inc. for their generous sponsorship and support of HLI. We’re also so grateful to The Vault for providing such a beautiful and memorable venue, and to Hometown Hospitality /Hometown Roots for delivering a seamless and outstanding catering experience.

Most importantly, thank you to all of our HLI fellows—past and present. Your dedication, passion, and years of servant leadership are what make this program so special. Our community is stronger because of each of you.

Here’s to the next 20 years of leadership, growth, and impact!

04/25/2026

We are proud of another wonderful HLI project that has come to fruition! These ladies did an outstanding job planning this event that honors Joel and gives back to our community that we all love.
What a great Day of Service it was💙

04/17/2026

Our HLI class took advantage of a beautiful morning at the Brain Injury Adventure Camp where they participated in numerous team building courses. Lessons of teamwork were learned and memories were made!

Thank you to Geronimo Power for sponsoring today’s class!

04/12/2026

✨We cannot wait to celebrate 20 years of HLI on April 29th✨

Thank you to The Hendersonian for a great article about our organization!

Gov. Andy Beshear to speak at April 29 luncheon More than two decades ago, five friends—community leaders all—began talking among themselves. And talking. And talking. Who, they wondered, would step into the shoes of the people who had been the lions of Henderson’s late 20th-century civic life...

04/12/2026

Come out and support one of the Class of 2025 practicums! Your support not only uplifts this group of emerging leaders but also benefits our community and honors the legacy of HLI founder, Joel Hopper.

Event Details: Date: Friday, April 24th Time: 7:30 AM Breakfast/Program 9:00-3:00 PM Service Projects Location: Boys & Girls Club 735 N Elm Street Henderson, KY 42420

03/27/2026

Thank you to the Henderson KY Rotary Club for supporting the on going growth of leaders in our community through the HLI program!

03/20/2026

Our HLI class met this morning for a session focused on collaboration and real-world leadership insights. It was a great opportunity to explore a variety of topics that will be valuable as participants continue to grow in their leadership journeys.

HLI Board Member and Fellow Jon Sights led an engaging presentation on Collaboration, sharing real-life examples from our community—highlighting both successes and lessons learned. We were also glad to welcome HLI Fellow Conner Mattingly, who offered his perspective on collaboration through his practicum experience.

We wrapped up the morning with an update on the Downtown Master Vision Plan from HLI Fellow, Mayor Brad Staton, and HLI Board Member and Fellow Dawn Kelsey, giving the class a look at exciting developments in our community.

Thank you to all of our speakers for sharing your time and expertise!

03/19/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Joel Hopper, founder and long-time supporter of HLI, was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership event.

Joel’s impact on HLI and our community is truly immeasurable. His vision, dedication, and passion for developing leaders have shaped countless lives and continue to inspire every fellow who walks through our program.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dawn Kelsey, HLI Board Member and Fellow, for speaking about the impact Joel has made on so many.

HLI and all of our fellows are deeply honored to carry forward his legacy and the example of leadership he set for all of us. Congratulations, Joel, and thank you for the lasting impact you have made.

03/02/2026

✨HLI Fellows/ Graduates– you’re invited!✨

Join us as we celebrate 20 Years of Henderson Leadership Initiative and honor the leaders who have helped shape our community over the past two decades. This special anniversary event is exclusively for HLI Fellows and graduates from the past 20 years. The event will feature lunch and a keynote speaker.

Official invitations coming soon. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by April 24 to reserve your seat. Click on the link below to buy tickets.

https://form.jotform.com/bcessna/HLI-20-years

We hope to see you there!