Steve Inskeep to Headline 2026 Leadership Louisville Luncheon | Presented by LG&E and KU Energy
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Leadership Louisville Center Brings Steve Inskeep to Louisville for Leadership Louisville Luncheon Presented by LG&E and KU Energy
Nationally acclaimed journalist and bestselling author to keynote Louisville’s premier leadership event.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of America’s most respected journalists and bestselling authors is coming to Louisville. The Leadership Louisville Center today announced that Steve Inskeep, co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition and author of the New York Times bestseller Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America, will keynote the Leadership Louisville Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Presented by LG&E and KU Energy and hosted in partnership with the Office of Mayor Craig Greenberg, the annual event brings together business, civic and community leaders for one of Louisville’s premier leadership gatherings.
Known for bringing clarity, insight, and historical perspective to some of the nation’s most important conversations, Inskeep is a natural fit for this year’s theme, Beyond the Noise. His work explores how thoughtful leadership, meaningful dialogue, and a willingness to understand differing perspectives can help leaders navigate complexity and build stronger organizations and communities.
“Steve Inskeep has spent his career helping people make sense of complicated issues through curiosity, meaningful conversation, and the lessons of history,” said Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center. “That perspective could not be more relevant as leaders across our community work to build trust, foster productive dialogue and lead beyond the noise. We are honored to welcome Steve to Louisville for what promises to be an inspiring exchange of ideas.”
Now in its 38th year, the Leadership Louisville Luncheon brings together more than 1,300 leaders representing over 300 organizations for one of the region’s premier civic leadership events. The annual gathering provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore the issues shaping Louisville’s future.
“For more than 45 years, the Leadership Louisville Center has stood as a driving force for transformation, uniting people, igniting bold ideas, and equipping individuals and organizations to cultivate impactful leaders and build thriving, connected communities. The LG&E and KU Foundation has a long partnership with Leadership Louisville, built on our shared goal of creating positive change in the communities we proudly serve. We’re excited to return as the presenting sponsor of this year’s luncheon, where some of our area’s brightest leaders will come away challenged and inspired to turn new ideas into action,” said John Crockett III, President of LG&E and KU Energy.
Reflecting on the role of cities in shaping future generations, Inskeep has observed, “When we build a city, we take our grandest dreams as well as our deepest anxieties and set them in concrete for the next generation.” That perspective closely reflects the Leadership Louisville Center’s mission of developing leaders who build a better Louisville.
The Leadership Louisville Luncheon will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Tickets and table sponsorships are available at leadershiplouisville.org/luncheon. For sponsorship information, contact Jennifer Stevens at jstevens@leadershiplouisville.org.
Sponsors
The Leadership Louisville Center gratefully acknowledges the organizations whose generous support makes the Leadership Louisville Luncheon possible.
Presenting Sponsor
LG&E and KU Energy
Platinum Sponsors
Fifth Third Bank
Diamond Sponsors
Brown-Forman Corporation, Kentucky International Convention Center
Gold Sponsors
Cherry Bekaert, Farm Credit Mid-America
Siver Sponsors
Advanced Business Solutions, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Doe-Anderson, Louisville Business First, Louisville Public Media, Tandem Public Relations
Bronze Sponsors
CBRE, Churchill Downs Incorporated, EY, FBT Gibbons, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Stored Value Solutions, Texas Roadhouse, The Al J. Schneider Company, University of Louisville, WLKY, Yum! Brands, Inc.
Event Partner: Office of Mayor Craig Greenberg
About Steve Inskeep
Steve Inskeep is co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition, one of the nation’s most-listened-to news programs, and the author of four books, including the New York Times bestseller Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. His journalism and writing are recognized for bringing historical context, thoughtful analysis and balanced perspective to today’s most consequential issues.
About the Leadership Louisville Center
The Leadership Louisville Center develops and connects leaders who are equipped to strengthen their organizations and our community. Through nationally recognized leadership programs, professional development experiences and community engagement initiatives, the Center inspires and equips leaders to be better and do better. Since 1979, thousands of graduates have gone on to lead businesses, nonprofits and civic organizations throughout Greater Louisville and beyond.
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