The Townsend & Barry Leadership Academy is an opportunity for those who wish to become leaders throughout Kentucky in the field of substance use/recovery and mental health to collaborate and further enhance their skills. 

Since 2005, participants in the Leadership Academy have been challenged to grow individually and professionally. The more significant outcome of the Leadership Academy Challenge Projects has been widespread influence throughout law enforcement, prevention, recovery, and treatment arenas, and many of the results of these Challenge Projects have continued to be widely used today.

The  Townsend & Barry Leadership Academy is a professional development opportunity for those in substance use and mental health. This initiative aims to develop leadership talent and skills for the future of these fields.

The Leadership Academy consists of a three-day intensive workshop and two follow‐up retreat sessions throughout the year. The follow‐up sessions will be held in October/November and April at state parks and will require travel on the part of participants. In addition to the time spent together, participants are expected to participate in the Leadership Academy throughout the year actively.

The cost is a $150.00 non-refundable fee once accepted, which covers 35 CEUs and all materials.

(Approved for Social Work (NASW-KY-01-U8—17).  Approved for continuing education requirements for community support specialist per 908 KAR 2:250, adult peer support specialist per 908 KAR 2:220, family support specialist per 908 KAR 2:230, youth peer support specialist per 908 KAR 2:240 and targeted case management per 908 KAR 2:260.)