On April 16, the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2025 spent the day immersed in the vital systems, services, and leadership that power our city and county during Local Government & Agency Day. With an agenda packed from start to finish, participants walked away with a clearer understanding of how Bowling Green and Warren County operate—and the collaborative leadership it takes to move a community forward.
The morning opened with an insightful Legislative Panel, moderated by Jennifer Breiwa Smith, featuring State Representatives Kevin Jackson, Robert Duvall, Michael Meredith, Shawn McPherson, and Senators Mike Wilson and Max Wise. The discussion highlighted current legislative priorities, the importance of bipartisan collaboration, and the impact of state decisions on local communities.
Next, participants traveled to the Bowling Green Fire Department’s Public Safety Training Facility, where they witnessed firsthand the precision and preparation that goes into emergency response. A live demonstration featuring the Accelerant Detection Canine and fire vehicle extrication techniques showcased the critical training required to protect the public. Chief Justin Brooks followed with a presentation on leadership in crisis situations and the evolving needs of public safety in a growing city.
The class then visited the Bowling Green Municipal Water Treatment Plant, hosted by Mark Iverson of BGMU and Ernie Peterson of TVA. This session offered a behind-the-scenes look at how clean, safe water is delivered to homes and businesses every day, as well as the infrastructure investments necessary to support a growing region.
After lunch, provided by Tennessee Valley Authority, the afternoon focused on the human side of local government. Cameron Levis, Recreation Division Manager for the City of Bowling Green, led an engaging session on community health and inclusion through recreational programming—highlighting efforts to serve seniors, youth, and adaptive athletes through public spaces and programming.
The day concluded with a powerful panel of city and county leaders. Speakers included Mayor Todd Alcott, City Manager Jeff Meisel, Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman, and Johnny Webb, founder of Operation PRIDE. The panel emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, long-term planning, and community engagement. A mock fiscal court session, led by Ron Cummings, brought the class into the decision-making process and gave participants a better understanding of how public budgets and local priorities are balanced.
Thank you to the many alumni and community partners who made this day possible, including representatives from WKU, City of Bowling Green, BGMU, TVA, and Warren County Government. Local Government Day provided an unforgettable window into the systems and people who ensure that Bowling Green remains a strong, vibrant, and forward-moving community.
Thanks to Leadership Bowling Green Alumni Day Chairs for Planning
Local Government & Agency Day:
Jennifer Breiwa Smith (WKU)
Deborah Jenkins (City of Bowling Green)
Jana Sublett (Tennessee Valley Authority)
Lance Hester (BGMU)
Ron Cummings (Warren Co. Magistrate)
Thank you to the organizations for supporting Leadership Bowling Green
Thank you to our Premier Partner:
