Rise and Shine with Leadership
The day began with a warm introduction from Justin Gearlds, Chair of Leadership Bowling Green. Following the welcome, participants engaged in a lesson on "Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood," highlighting the power of effective communication in both professional and personal contexts.
Inside the Courtroom: District Court in Action
The first stop was the Warren County Justice Center, where Judge Kim Geoghegan offered an overview of District Court. Attendees then observed live court sessions with Judges John Brown and Brent Potter, getting a rare, firsthand look at the inner workings of the courtroom.
Legal Minds at Work: Insights from Local Attorneys
A panel of experienced legal professionals—Alisha Snodgrass (Assistant Commonwealth Attorney), Amy Hale Chandler (Warren County Attorney), and Kayla Fugate (Department of Public Advocacy)—shared their expertise, giving attendees a deeper understanding of the legal process and the challenges they face daily.
Behind the Badge: Local Law Enforcement Leaders Speak
Next, attendees visited the Bowling Green Police Department for a panel discussion with law enforcement leaders. Lt. Col. Josh Hughes (Bowling Green Police), Lieutenant Brandon Brooks (Kentucky State Police), Sheriff Brett Hightower (Warren County), and Chief Mitch Walker (Western Kentucky University) discussed the critical roles their agencies play in ensuring community safety.
K-9s and Critical Response: A Closer Look at Law Enforcement Operations
After lunch, provided by Pinnacle Financial Partners, attendees enjoyed an exciting K-9 demonstration by BGPD Officers John Deeb and Phil Carpenter, showcasing the capabilities of the department's K-9 unit. The afternoon included presentations on specialized law enforcement topics, including the Critical Response Team and Hostage Negotiations with BGPD Captain Michael Myrick, and Evidence & Dispatch with Pam Ritter and Nichole Wright.
Crime Scene Investigations: Solving the Mystery
BGPD Detectives David Grimsley and Matthew Poore led an engaging session on advanced crime scene investigation techniques. Participants got an inside look at how detectives approach complex cases and solve mysteries using cutting-edge methods.
A Tour of the Warren County Regional Jail
The day wrapped up with a tour of the Warren County Regional Jail, where Jailer Stephen Harmon guided participants through the facility and explained the challenges of managing a correctional institution.
A Big Thank You to Our Organizers and Contributors
A special thank you goes to the Leadership Bowling Green Alumni Day Chairs for their dedication to organizing the day’s events: Jonathan Vickous (Bowling Green Police), Carrie Jolly (Kentucky Legal Aid), Rick Seadler (Pinnacle Financial Partners), Kellie Crawford (Bell, Orr, Ayers & Moore, PSC), Lori Gray (City of Bowling Green), and Sarah Bessinger (Warren County Attorney’s Office).
Reflections and Connections: A Day to Remember
Law & Justice Day provided an unparalleled opportunity for participants to engage with professionals in the justice system, deepen their understanding of local law enforcement, and build stronger community bonds through shared learning experiences.
Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting Law and Justice Day:
Lunch provided by Pinnacle Financial Partners
Snacks & Drinks by Bell, Orr, Ayers, & Moore PSC
2025 Class Premier Partner:
A Special Thank You to our Leadership Bowling Green Alumni Day Chairs for Planning Law & Justice Day:
Jonathan Vickous (Bowling Green Police Department)
Carrie Jolly (Kentucky Legal Aid)
Rick Seadler (Pinnacle Financial Partners)
Kellie Crawford (Bell, Orr, Ayers & Moore, PSC)
Lori Gray (City of Bowling Green)
Sarah Bessinger (Warren County Attorney’s Office)