Kentucky Women in Education Leadership

KASA proudly welcomes 32 outstanding school leaders into the 2026 Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL) cohort! Selected through a competitive process, these accomplished women exemplify innovation, expertise, and unwavering dedication to providing world-class education for Kentucky’s children. Congratulations!

Amy Allen Compton, Bullitt County Schools
Amanda Bretz, Laurel County Schools
Brandi Bray, Southeast South-Central Cooperative
Stephanie Downey, Simpson County Schools
Melinda Earsing, Gallatin County Schools
Elizabeth Gabehart, Scott County Schools
Terri Gentry, Ballard County Schools
Heather Goodman, Elizabethtown Ind. Schools
Laura Beth Hayes, Hardin County Schools 
Mary Beth Hodge, Breckinridge County Schools
Whitney Jenkins, Meade County Schools
Carla Kent, Shelby County Public Schools
Jennifer Kincaid, Powell County Schools
Renee Lanigan, Danville Ind. Schools
Debra LaSala, Warren County Schools
Victoria Lynn, LaRue County Schools
Leah Marcum, Southeast-South Central Cooperative
Lauren McQueary, Southeast-South Central Cooperative
Whitney Nichols, Ballard County Schools
Samantha North, Pineville Ind. Schools
Renikka Owen, Christian County Schools
Kellie Ponchak, Kenton County Schools
Santina Plottner, Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative
Kate Ray, Laurel County Schools
Angie Reihs, Fairview Ind. Schools
Lacey Schrock, Trigg County Schools
Valerie Skillman, Bullitt County Schools
Taylor Stratton, Bullitt County Schools
Sara Sweeney Johnson, Christian County Schools
Jessie Thompson, Bullitt County Schools
Veronica Weitlauf, Scott County Schools
Whitney Shannon Wilson, Fleming County Schools