State Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield, has been selected to participate in a prestigious, nationwide fellowship considered one the country’s premier leadership development programs for elected leaders.
Heavrin, who at 27-years-old became the youngest woman ever elected to the Kentucky General Assembly in 2019, has been selected for the Class of 2023 Rodel Fellowship. She is only the 11th Kentuckian chosen to participate in the fellowship.
“It’s an honor to be selected as a Rodel fellow, and I’m grateful to be recognized for my commitment to democracy and civil discourse,” Heavrin said. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to collaborate with national leaders as we put political differences aside and aim to address some of America’s greatest challenges at home and abroad.”
Kentucky House leadership said about her selection: “Heavrin received the prominent recognition for her commitment to public service and professional integrity.”
She will spend the next two years discussing some of our nation’s greatest teachings that deal with ethical values and democratic principles—such as the Declaration of Independence and writings by Martin Luther King, Jr. — alongside leading scholars and other fellowship participants.
Heavrin currently serves on the House Committees on State Government, Judiciary, Transportation, and Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. She is also co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Task Force, which researches all aspects of care giving and educational structures in both public and private sectors.
Earlier this year, Heavrin spearheaded House Bill 499, legislation establishing the Employee Childcare Assistance Partnership. Based on that initiative, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce named Heavrin one of 11 winners of the 2022 Kentucky Chamber MVP Award.
The Rodel Institute
The Rodel Institute, which selects 24 state and local leaders for the yearly fellowship program, aims to strengthen democracy and public leadership in the U.S. Since its inception in 2005, the Rodel Fellowship has helped nearly 400 state and local elected officials reach their full potential as public servants.
These fellows have gone on to serve as U.S. senators, governors, mayors, party leaders, cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, and vice president of the United States, according to the institute.
To learn more about Rep. Heavrin, visit the Legislative Research Commission website. For more information on the Rodel Institute, visit its website.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
