Developing Leaders. Connecting People. Advancing Community.
OUR PURPOSE
The Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful change. Through leadership development, community-led initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we cultivate a stronger, more connected Greater Owensboro.
How We Work
We bring people together to strengthen our community and move shared priorities forward – Turning Outward to listen to the community and using Adaptive Leadership to work through challenges together.
We Do This By
Developing Leaders
We equip people from all backgrounds to lead with confidence and contribute their talents.
Building Trust
We create space for dialogue, understanding, and strong relationships across the community.
Activating People
We support residents in turning ideas into action through engagement and innovation.
Convening for the Common Good
We serve as a nonpartisan organization, bringing people together to focus on community priorities, aspirations, and concerns.
Our Values
• Collaboration & Partnership
• Capacity Building
• Courage & Cultural Humility
• Learning & Continuous Improvement
• Integrity & Respect
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Engagement of All Citizens
The Impact
By investing in people and fostering collaboration, the Institute is strengthening civic life and building a culture of leadership across Greater Owensboro.
The result: A stronger community-where more people are equipped to lead, more voices are engaged, and more solutions are driven by the community.
Programs
Leadership Development
We equip residents to lead with an adaptive mindset, strengthening the community and advancing shared priorities together.
• Civic Engagement Institute (Youth & Adult)
• Nonprofit Board Training
• Elected Office Seeker Training
• Women in Leadership Programs
• Executive Leadership Programs
• Leadership Summit
Community Leadership in Action
Community Leadership in Action: We support residents in working together to strengthen the community and build momentum around shared priorities.
Community Leadership Action Teams: Residents Working Together to Turn Ideas into Action
Current focus areas include: Arts | Health | Housing & Homelessness | Youth
Action Team Kickstart: Training for Residents Who Want to Connect and Take Action
Civic Action & Impact Labs: A space for residents and partners to engage with complex issues, build understanding, and explore solutions together.
Leadership Advisory Group: A trusted space for guidance on complex community challenges.
The Leadership Advisory Group works one-on-one with individuals and organizations to explore complex challenges and identify the most effective pathway forward. Drawing on Adaptive Leadership and Turning Outward practices, the group helps connect people to the right mix of leadership development, community action opportunities, and tools to build momentum.
Members of the Advisory Group are experienced practitioners who have completed multiple trainings in Adaptive Leadership and Turning Outward and have successfully supported collaborative work across teams, issues, and community efforts. They bring a grounded, practical perspective to help others navigate complexity, strengthen collaboration, and move ideas into action.
Connect with Us
Stacy Edds-Ellis, Ph.D.
Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute
Executive Director
sedds-ellis@owensboro.com
270-663-1048
200 East 3rd Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
The Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.