Named in honor of the leadership that Kentucky Governor Paul and Judi Patton have exhibited throughout their careers. Patton Leadership Institute (PLI) is a regional leadership development program that covers eight eastern Kentucky counties. PLI builds cohorts of emerging leaders from throughout the region, who have assumed leadership roles in their communities but may not hold established positions.

Participants in the program attend a two-day opening retreat and eight day-long sessions. The curriculum weaves together topics crucial to the development of community such as education, economic development, health care, energy, tourism, and government. Key leadership skills are integrated into each session.