Recognizing the need to take a pro-active approach to building a stronger community, in 1992 the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service to form Leadership Montgomery County. The goal was to develop a steady stream of emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds that could help shape the future of Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County. 

The ten-month program was modeled after Leadership Kentucky, by kicking off with a weekend retreat and then offering participants monthly, day-long experiences in the areas of agriculture, health care, education, local and state government, industry, utility infrastructure and more. Students also have the opportunity to visit local media outlets, recreation and cultural facilities, the regional airport and are provided a behind-the-scenes perspective of many well-known local establishments.  Long-time Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County residents who complete class often comment on how much they learn about their “hometown” after completing the course. 

They Family and Consumer Sciences Agent is responsible as the Advisor who attends each months sessions. Class members are provided lessons in leadership and professional development, team building, problem-solving as well as learn how to become better ambassadors and present-day trustees of Montgomery County. 

To date, nearly four hundred members of the local community have graduated from the program. Through the years, LMC has grown in in?uence, as its graduates have risen through the ranks of their trade. The organization can count former police and ?re chiefs, directors, vice presidents, educators and school administrators, hospital executives, health care professionals, bank presidents, first responders, attorneys, ?nancial planners, city council members as well as the current mayor of Mt. Sterling and Judge Executive of Montgomery County among its alumni.