270-691-7816
leighann.tipton@healthforcekentucky.org
Over the last 20 years, Leigh Ann Tipton has been telling the stories of businesses, non-profits, and higher education institutions throughout western Kentucky.
A native of Union County, she graduated with an A.A. from Henderson Community College and a B.A. in journalism from Western Kentucky University. She began her career as a journalist at the Henderson Gleaner and worked for the Evansville Courier & Press including a stint as editor of the Union County Advocate. She has also freelanced for The New York Times and Louisville Courier-Journal. In addition, she co-owned a retail business for 17 years with locations in two states.
Leigh Ann transitioned to workforce development and education in 2017 when she accepted the task of helping an area Chamber of Commerce create a master plan connecting all students to information about careers in their communities. She has since worked in recruiting and admissions for two of Kentucky’s largest public universities, working to strengthen the bond between businesses, higher education, and K-12 schools.
Leigh Ann was eager to join the Healthforce Kentucky team and bring state-of-the-art technology to educators in the rural western Kentucky communities she’s lived in and loves. “Education is the key to transforming people’s lives,” she said. And through transforming lives, she said, communities are strengthened. Leigh Ann is passionate about community – serving on the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club Advisory board and the board of directors for Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions. She also served previously on the board of Steps for Samuel, a non-profit that supports women who have lost infants or pregnancies.
Outside of work, Leigh Ann enjoys traveling, hiking, writing, gardening, and spending time with her two teenagers and a menagerie of pets.