Lesley Stout Bilby ’02 selected as new executive director of strategic initiatives & external relations

Centre College has announced the hiring of Lesley Stout Bilby ’02 to serve as executive director of strategic initiatives & external relations. She begins her appointment on Dec. 6.

In her new role, Bilby will serve as an advisor to College President Milton C. Moreland and will help facilitate Centre’s strategic planning processes by providing expertise and project management for specific initiatives. While advocating for the essential value of a premier liberal arts education, she will also develop and nurture relationships with constituents to build affiliations and help cultivate strategic priorities, funding and resource opportunities.

“Lesley brings great experience and expertise to the role and will help us prioritize and implement strategic initiatives; and help lead community relations efforts,” said President Moreland.

A Kentucky native with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Centre, a Master of Philosophy in international relations from the University of Cambridge and Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law, Bilby served most recently as assistant state treasurer and chief of staff for the Kentucky State Treasury.

In addition, she previously held two positions with the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, including executive director of legal services and deputy secretary.

Living out Centre’s mission with a life of learning, leadership and service, Bilby brings nearly 20 years of professional experience back to her alma mater.

“I am thrilled to return to Centre in this new role,” Bilby said. “It is a true honor to be part of the team that is advancing Centre’s mission and commitment to providing a world-class education. I look forward to working with President Moreland and the Centre community at home and abroad.”

Prior to her work with the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet and State Treasury, Bilby assisted legal clients in state and federal court on cases involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Immediately after law school, she secured highly competitive federal judicial clerkships at both the district court and court of appeals levels.

Bilby’s ability to build consensus among a variety of constituent groups and create positive and productive outcomes for the organizations she has served are attributes that highlight her range of experience.

“Lesley impressed all of us as a person of action, and a leader who can build bridges across divides,” said Jamey Leahey, vice president for legal affairs and gift planning. “Everyone we asked about Lesley raved about her tremendous work ethic, her sharp intellect, and her kindness. She clearly earned the respect of everyone she worked with over the years.”

Marie Petkus, Ewing T. Boles Associate Professor of Economics, is also pleased to welcome Bilby, as she has successfully led and executed complex, collaborative projects in her previous employment with the State of Kentucky.

“She has a strong and compelling vision of how her past experiences and community connections can develop opportunities for Centre,” Petkus concluded.