Frank Bennett
MBA, SBSP, CPP
The Leadership Center, Executive Director
Frank Bennett is a passionate advocate for the study and practice of leadership, firmly believing that every meaningful advance, whether in business, community, or society, begins with extraordinary leadership. As he puts it:
“Whether you’re tackling global challenges or working in a three-person project group, leadership is the driving force that reimagines realities, breaks barriers, and inspires action. The more tools we have to be effective leaders, the more everyone benefits.”
With more than 25 years of experience advising, teaching, writing, and leading, Frank has helped over 200 for-profit and nonprofit organizations strengthen leadership, workplace communication, and strategy.
He is most well-known in West Kentucky for serving as Chief Executive Officer of The National Quilt Museum from 2011 to 2021, where he guided the institution through a decade of record growth in attendance, revenue, and community programs.
Frank also regularly writes on leadership topics. His first book, The Breathing Organization: Essentials of Successful Leadership, was about building and sustaining healthy organizational cultures. His second book, which focuses on leadership and innovation, is scheduled for release in 2026. He also regularly contributes to online discussions and posts weekly on LinkedIn.
Frank’s academic background reflects his commitment to lifelong learning. He holds a master’s in business administration from Northern Kentucky University, and has earned more than a dozen degrees and certifications, including:
Certificates in Sustainable Business Strategy and Disruptive Business Strategy from Harvard Business School
A certificate in Behavioral Economics: Consumer Choice and Decision Making from the Wharton School of Business
A certification in Fundraising Management from Indiana University–Indianapolis
Today, Frank serves as both the Executive Director of The Leadership Center and as an Adjunct Professor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC). In both roles, he is working to make West Kentucky’s workforce more competitive than ever by offering educational programs in a variety of leadership topics, including:
Supervisory Skills
Workforce Communication
Leading Change
Team Dynamics
Leadership & Self-Awareness
Presentation Development