Leigh Ann Ballegeer Named Young Leader of the Year

Paducah, KY — [February 6, 2026] — Mercy Health is proud to announce that Leigh Ann Ballegeer, Community Health Director, has been honored with the Young Leader of the Year Award at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Celebration Gala.

This award recognizes rising leaders in the region who demonstrate exceptional professional excellence, community commitment, and a strong vision for the future. Ballegeer was selected for her dedication to advancing community health initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and serving with deep compassion and integrity.

In reflecting on her approach to leadership, Ballegeer shared:
“In my experience, the best leaders are grounded in strong integrity. At their heart, they are deeply committed to doing the right thing for the right reasons, which I believe is the most important characteristic of great leadership. I witnessed this quality in my mom through the many leadership roles she held throughout my life, and it has truly stuck with me.
Often guided by personal faith, leaders with strong integrity operate with fairness, transparency, and purpose, establishing a culture of honesty and positivity. Integrity creates consistency as leaders align their words with their actions. They do what they say they will do, which fosters immense trust and credibility."

"Strong ethical leaders remain mindful of the impact that their decisions have on others. During challenging or uncertain times, they can be relied upon to make difficult decisions without compromising their values. Their steady commitment to ethical principles provides clarity and confidence for those whom they lead. Through hard work and strong accountability, they inspire their teams to do the same. Above all other characteristics, I believe integrity is the defining characteristic of successful leadership and one that every leader should possess.”

Mike Yungmann, President of Mercy Health Kentucky, praised Ballegeer’s recognition, stating:
“Leigh Ann represents the very best of Mercy Health. Her integrity, commitment to improving community well-being, and genuine compassion for the people we serve make her an exceptional leader and a trusted voice within our ministry. This award reflects not only her hard work but also the positive, lasting impact she has had across the region. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for her dedicated service.”

Ballegeer’s leadership continues to strengthen Mercy Health’s mission to improve the health and wellness of the communities it serves. Her recognition by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce reflects both her personal commitment to service and the vital role of community health initiatives in the region.