The Kentucky League of Cities swore in Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley as its 2026-27 president during a ceremony Friday morning at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. He now leads the statewide organization that represents Kentucky’s cities, municipal leaders, and related organizations.
KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney administered the oath of office during the 2026 KLC Conference & Expo to Mayor Fraley, Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory, who will serve as first vice president, and Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, elected second vice president.
Fraley has been an active member of KLC for several years, serving on the KLC Board of Directors and Executive Board and most recently as the League’s first vice president. He also serves in an ex officio, nonvoting role on the KLC Insurance Services Board.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as president of an organization that does so much for Kentucky cities,” Fraley said. “One of the things I value most about KLC is the opportunity to learn from other city officials. Every community is different, but we face many of the same challenges. I look forward to sharing Berea’s success and learning from city officials throughout Kentucky and the nation to ensure my community and all cities in Kentucky continue to have a strong voice.”
Fraley served on the Berea City Council from 2017 through 2018 before being elected mayor. He took office as mayor in January 2019.
The KLC presidency is a leadership role that allows Fraley to discuss issues affecting Berea and other cities with local, state, and national leaders. As president, he will help shape KLC’s legislative advocacy and have a recognized, respected voice with key decision-makers impacting issues such as jobs, quality of life, and public safety.
Fraley stressed that the role gives him the opportunity to highlight Berea’s successes and needs, learn how other communities are addressing similar challenges, and bring ideas, contacts, and information back to his community. “My main focus remains the City of Berea and how we continue to support and serve the people of this great city,” he added. “This is just another way for me to represent the community while helping advocate for cities throughout our region and the state.”
“This is an important leadership role for Mayor Fraley, but it is also an opportunity for Berea,” Chaney remarked. “Bruce is proud of his community, and wherever he goes as KLC president, he takes Berea with him. At the same time, he brings to the role the perspective of a mayor who understands the day-to-day work of running a city and the importance of having local voices represented in Frankfort and Washington.”
KLC is a nonprofit membership organization that has served Kentucky cities and municipal organizations since 1927. The League provides legislative advocacy, legal guidance, training, insurance, financial services, community development, and other resources to Kentucky cities. The Executive Board governs KLC, and the KLC Board of Directors sets its legislative agenda.
###
Feature photo: KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney presents Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley with a sign for Berea City Hall designating it the home of the 2026-27 KLC president.
