Jackie Collier Ballinger, interim director of alumni relations, is one of 20 individuals to successfully complete the Leadership East Kentucky program for 2004.

These individuals represent various communities from throughout eastern Kentucky. They come from all different walks of life, including education, health, economic development, religion, higher education, private business and industry, government and nonprofit organizations.

The goals of Leadership East Kentucky are to provide an opportunity for individuals to enhance their leadership skills, become more familiar with eastern Kentucky and to build a network throughout the region.

The program is sponsored by a consortium of community action agencies in eastern Kentucky.

From May through December, the class meets monthly to focus on issues facing eastern Kentucky, such as education, economic development, the environment, and governance. Individuals in the class have an opportunity to look at themselves and strengthen existing skills and develop new ones. Members of the Class of 2004 join the 155 existing alumni of Leadership East Kentucky.