Payroll specialist Amber Reynolds was one of 38 participants in the community’s legacy networking and professional development program
A City of Somerset team member recently graduated from Leadership Lake Cumberland, one of the state’s oldest community leadership programs designed to provide insight about Somerset-Pulaski County while offering opportunities for networking and professional development.
Amber Reynolds, a seven-year veteran of the city who serves as a payroll specialist and a member of the event team, was one of 38 participants to graduate from the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored program.
Reynolds said she enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at several of Somerset’s businesses and learning things about her community she never knew.
“We toured places that I didn’t even know existed, and I have lived my whole life in Pulaski County,” she said. “We truly have so much to offer folks, and I understand why people visit us and keep coming back every year – it isn’t just the lake.”
Reynolds said her biggest takeaway from the experience was that with dedication and the right team, you can achieve anything.
“Being able to connect with my classmates and meet some of the business owners has shown me how much talent and skill our community has to offer,” she said. “I am so grateful to be part of our community and to have had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Lake Cumberland.”
With over 950 alumni, Leadership Lake Cumberland’s mission is to identify, educate, and motivate a network of business leaders to increase each individual’s capacity to serve the Lake Cumberland region. The course acquaints participants with issues of leadership, community structure and operation; provides opportunities for them to interact with present and future leaders; and promotes involvement in community issues and organizations.
Members of the Class of 2025 were chosen from a cross-section of the community and represent the diversity of the region’s business and nonprofit leaders. This year’s program focused on leadership, education, economic development, diversity, justice, the arts, manufacturing, government and agriculture.
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck said the city is committed to providing its employees with opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
“Fostering a culture where employees are empowered to lead and make decisions has been extremely important to me,” Keck said. “The knowledge and networking opportunities gained from these opportunities are incredibly powerful. I am thrilled for Amber and excited to see what she will bring to the table because of her experience.”
Reynolds graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics. She and her husband, Josh, have two children, Wyatt (6) and Bailey (3).
