Continuing a commitment to education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced the recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) and Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative (SESC).
“These awards reflect EKU’s deep commitment to working alongside Kentucky’s educational cooperatives to strengthen learning in every community,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We are proud to honor superintendents whose leadership, innovation and student‑centered vision are shaping the future of education across the Commonwealth.”
The 2026 “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year are:
- Chris Brady, Marion County Public Schools
- Matthew Thompson, Montgomery County Schools
- Patrick Richardson, Pulaski County Schools
- John Siler, Whitley County School District
The EKU “Experience Excellence” Superintendent of the Year award employs a competitive process to identify Kentucky public school district superintendents with particularly notable talent and vision in instructional leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
The award recipients have demonstrated the advancement of student success through their practices and daily leadership. These superintendents incorporate innovative thinking and bold action into their vision, and their transformational leadership style embraces guiding values of opportunity and trust.
“The success across all facets of Marion County Schools has been eye-catching during Mr. Brady’s time as superintendent, and I fully expect to see them continue their ascent to become one of the top districts in Kentucky,” said David Young, chief executive officer at CKEC. “Mr. Brady’s common sense, student-focused leadership style sets the tone across all schools. I am very pleased to see him earn this award. At CKEC, we are so proud of the work we’ve been able to do alongside Mr. Brady and the talented educators of Marion County Schools.”
Regarding Thompson, Young said, “Dr. Thompson has been a strong leader in the CKEC region for many years—even before his tenure as superintendent of Montgomery County Schools. I have always known him to be deeply invested in the best interest of all students across our region, and his time at MCS has been one of growth and progress. He is very deserving of this award, and all of us at CKEC are so happy to see him receive it.”
Brady and Thompson were recognized on April 15, 2026, at the CKEC Board of Directors meeting. Richardson and Siler were recognized on May 14, 2026, at the SESC Board of Directors meeting.
“As we prepare the next generation of school and community leaders, these superintendents exemplify traits we hope our graduates display throughout their careers,” said EKU Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences Elizabeth Smith.
In recognition of their award, each superintendent selects an EKU-bound high school senior in their district to receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.
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