2025 KLC Award Winners

The Kentucky League of Cities recognized outstanding city officials and employees with the 2025 KLC and Mayor Ann C. Deatherage LEAD Awards during the 2025 KLC Conference & Expo in Owensboro. The awards celebrate city officials who display commitment to local government, innovative leadership, and dedication to their communities. An independent panel judges select this year's winners from a number of submitted nominations.

City Government of the Year: Calvert City

Judges selected the City of Calvert City as the 2025 City Government of the Year. The nomination emphasized the community’s innovation, leadership, and long-term vision. Nominators praised the city’s ability to balance economic growth with quality-of-life improvements, pointing to forward-thinking initiatives that create new jobs, boost tourism, and provide activities for both residents and visitors. They highlighted the Churchill Downs gaming facility expansion as a project that not only generates employment but also elevates the city’s regional profile. The nomination also recognized the city’s work to preserve and reinvigorate the Kentucky Dam Village Airport through a partnership with Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky Aviation, ensuring its role as a vital multi-modal access point. Additionally, nominees commended Calvert City for its position as a key hub supporting chemical, manufacturing, logistics, and utility employers across western Kentucky.

Elected City Official of the Year: Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton

Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton was honored as the 2025 KLC Elected City Official of the Year. Those nominating him highlighted his work in bringing the new Western Kentucky Police Academy to the city, which helped train not only Madisonville police officers but also those from around the region and beyond. Mayor Cotton and his wife, Donna, have also been recognized for their service to the community. They have fostered more than 50 children, and in 2008 were honored as the Kentucky Foster/Adoptive Family of the Year.

City Employee of the Year: Morehead Fire Chief Jeff Anderson

Judges selected Morehead Fire Chief Jeff Anderson as the 2025 KLC City Employee of the Year. City leaders and colleagues nominating Chief Anderson praised his dedication to strengthening the facilities and staffing of Morehead’s fire department. He stepped up to address a challenge faced by departments nationwide — the increasing strain on volunteer fire services. They highlighted his leadership in transitioning the department into a 24/7 operation with six full-time firefighters on staff, ensuring around-the-clock protection for residents. His vision for the future was noted, adding that he collaborated with the mayor on a conceptual design for a new fire station that will serve the community for decades.

Mayor Ann C. Deatherage LEAD Award Winner: Lewisburg Mayor Kathy Stewart

Lewisburg Mayor Kathy Stewart received the 2025 Mayor Ann C. Deatherage LEAD Award, which recognizes mayors prioritizing continuing education as a core component of their leadership. Mayor Stewart completed 86.75 hours of training in 2025 alone. Earlier this year, she completed the Elected Officials Leadership Series, further enhancing her leadership skills while collaborating with fellow city leaders.

KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney applauded all the winners for their hard work and dedication. “The individuals recognized with this year’s awards embody the leadership, dedication, and forward thinking that keep Kentucky’s cities thriving,” he said. “Their service and impact stand as a powerful reminder of what local government can achieve. KLC is honored to celebrate their accomplishments. I am excited to see how their work will continue to strengthen our communities in the years ahead.”

In addition to being recognized at the 2025 KLC Conference & Expo, each winner will also be honored in their hometown.