Laura Boison, alum of the MBA program at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, is one of the recipients of the prestigious 2019 Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award. In 1999, the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award was created and presented to former Governor Collins for her contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its people. This award recognizes Kentucky women of achievement who inspire and motivate other women through their personal, community and professional lives.

"I am truly honored to be the recipient of the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award on this the 20th year anniversary of its inception," says Laura. "A personal role model of mine, Governor Collins positively changed the socio-economic complexion of Kentucky, the effects of which continue to this day, through her inspirational efforts and leadership by example style." 

The 2019 recipients of the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award will be recognized and honored at the Women Leading Kentucky's Business & Leadership Conference on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Marriott Griffin Gate. They will also participate in a panel discussion about the challenges and lessons learned on their journey to becoming an outstanding leader. 

Laura says, "I am proud to join the award recipients before me, and it is my hope that collectively we continue to work to empower women by creating opportunities for increased professional gender diversity and opportunities along with ongoing mentorship. This award is personally humbling and greatly appreciated. I thank Women Leading Kentucky for this recognition and to Governor Collins for the example she has set for all of us." 

Women Leading Kentucky is a non-membership organization with a statewide network of professionals that create business and leadership opportunities for women of all ages, enabling them to lead, learn, achieve and give back to their communities.

Laura Boison is a bank president, community-oriented board member and volunteer, mentor, mother, wife and small business owner. In her role as Market President with BB&T, she is responsible for the success of bank’s investments and brand. She has served in multiple executive positions during her thirty years with JPMorgan Chase and previous banks. In several positions, including her time at USBank as Market President for Lexington and her current role as Market President with BB&T for Central, South and Eastern Kentucky, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve in that position.

Laura has advocated for women throughout her career. She initiated policy changes at First Security National Bank/Bank One (now JPMorgan Chase) to increase flexibility in family medical leave, sick leave and flex hours; she identified and organized strategies for more active lending for small business and women-owned businesses; and she has mentored numerous emerging professionals.

Laura completed both her MBA and a Bachelor’s in Accounting at the University of Kentucky. She remains involved at University of Kentucky through her support for Gatton College and involvement in the UK Alumni Band. She has also continued her education through numerous executive programs including the program at University of Virginia with JPMorgan Chase and has been invited to share her experience as a lecturer on banking at schools in Louisiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Laura’s is deeply involved in developing the prosperity of the Lexington community. She is currently serving as Commission Chair of the Visitor and Convention Center Commission. Among other community roles, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Transylvania University Board of Trustees, is active on the board of Chrysalis House, has served in the past as Chair of Bluegrass Care Navigators/Hospice and Women Leading Kentucky, and was also the Treasurer for YMCA of Central Kentucky. She served eight years on the Executive Committee for Commerce Lexington and as Board Chair of the Family Care Center. She was a member of the Women in Kentucky Committee during Governor Patton’s administration, was named Volunteer of the Year by Commerce Lexington in 2012 and nominated to the list of Outstanding Women of the Year in Central Kentucky in 1998.