KLC Members Elect New Leadership

The Kentucky League of Cities welcomed new leadership on Tuesday night. KLC members elected Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott president, Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg first vice president, and Auburn Mayor Mike Hughes second vice president. All three will serve in those roles for the following year. London Mayor Troy Rudder becomes KLC’s immediate past president.

Mayor Traugott thanked the League for the selection and promised to work on behalf of cities across the state. “KLC has the ability to bring people together of every stripe under a unifying force,” he stated. “The League connects community leaders from different parts of the state and different backgrounds. I’m looking forward to getting to know a lot of our city leaders and to helping the rising tide lift all boats.”

Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay swore in Mayor Traugott and Mayor Hughes in Lexington. Mayor Hamberg will be sworn in next month.

"I am looking forward to advancing our KLC mission through direct interaction and furthering our legislative agenda for the betterment of all of our cities and the commonwealth," Mayor Hamberg said. “It is an honor to serve the League and to represent the cities that make our state and organization strong and prosperous.”

Mayor Hughes spoke on the impact KLC has had in his career in city government. “When I first became a council member, I went to a KLC training. From that point forward, they embraced me. They didn't have to; they just did. Everyone at KLC has been instrumental in helping me and my city succeed and move forward.” He expressed appreciation for the appointment. “To be able to serve in any capacity in an organization that does so much for Kentucky cities is an honor and a privilege.”

KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney thanked the three elected officials for sharing their time and expertise. “The League is lucky to have such dedicated public servants working in these key positions,” he said. “We have been blessed to have a long line of devoted public servants serve as KLC president, and I know Mayor Traugott will continue that legacy.

“Both Mayor Hamberg and Mayor Hughes have several years of service on the KLC Executive Board. and I am sure their new roles will be a strong asset to Mayor Traugott and the organization,” he added. “Working with all three of these outstanding community leaders and the dozens of city officials serving on the Board of Directors is an honor as we continue to advance the League’s core mission and improve the quality of life in cities across the state.”

Additionally, Chaney recognized the service Mayor Rudder provided to the League and its members during his tenure as president. “He has been an outstanding president in what has been a challenging time,” Chaney responded. “The entire KLC staff and the thousands of city officials and employees across the state are grateful for his guidance.

“Mayor Rudder likes to say that the hallmark of public service is to leave it better than you found it. I can say without hesitation that Mayor Rudder has done that for the League."