Alumni Story: Mayor Craig Greenberg, leadership louisville center graduate
Photo from Louisville Metro Government
Craig Greenberg, Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky
Craig Greenberg’s journey to becoming the Mayor of Louisville was deeply influenced by his participation in two of the city’s most prestigious community leadership programs: Leadership Louisville and Bingham Fellows. As a young professional in Louisville, Craig recognized the importance of understanding the city's complexities, its challenges, and its opportunities. His experiences in these programs, beginning with the Leadership Louisville Class of 2004 and followed by the Bingham Fellows Class of 2005, laid the groundwork for his future in public service and leadership.
“These programs were pivotal in my professional and personal growth,” Craig reflects. “They connected me with leaders across different sectors, opened my eyes to new perspectives, and solidified my commitment to making Louisville a better place for everyone.”
Learning Across Sectors: Craig's initial exposure to Leadership Louisville was transformative. The program brought together a diverse group of individuals from various industries, each with unique backgrounds and perspectives. “The most impactful aspect of Leadership Louisville was the opportunity to learn from others,” Craig shares. “We were all passionate about Louisville, but we came from different sectors—government, nonprofit, business, education. That diversity of thought was incredibly powerful. It taught me to see challenges from multiple angles and to appreciate the complexity of the issues our community faces.”
During the program, Craig formed a particularly meaningful connection with Barbara Sexton Smith, a longtime civic leader in Louisville. Their shared passion for the city and its future quickly bonded them. “Barbara and I connected over our love for Louisville and our desire to help make it a better place,” Craig recalls. “We were in the same Leadership Louisville class in 2004, and our friendship started there.”
Impact of Leadership Louisville and Bingham Fellows: Craig’s involvement in Leadership Louisville inspired him to dive deeper into community leadership through the Bingham Fellows program in 2005. Bingham Fellows is known for its intense focus on a critical issue facing the city, and that year, the cohort concentrated on developing strategies to revitalize neighborhoods and spur economic growth. “The Bingham Fellows program challenged us to tackle big problems head-on,” Craig explains. “We were given the tools and the platform to really make a difference. It was an incredible experience to see how much change could be sparked by a group of committed individuals coming together with a shared vision.”
Through Bingham Fellows, Craig developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to drive systemic change. The program also reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration. “We were working on real, tangible projects that could affect the future of Louisville,” he says. “It was about finding common ground and working together across sectors to create meaningful change.”
A Key Connection Leading to City Hall: One of the most significant outcomes of Craig’s participation in these programs was his ongoing partnership with Barbara Sexton Smith. Over the next 15 years, their paths continued to intersect. Craig focused on building and expanding the 21c Museum Hotels, a company he co-founded, while Barbara took on roles leading the Fund for the Arts and later serving on the Louisville Metro Council.
“Barbara and I remained close acquaintances,” Craig notes. “We were always aligned in our commitment to Louisville, and when I decided to run for mayor in 2021, I knew I wanted her by my side.” Barbara agreed to serve as the Chair of Craig's mayoral campaign, leveraging her deep community connections and her understanding of Louisville’s challenges and opportunities. “Her support was invaluable,” Craig adds. “She’s been a mentor, a friend, and a fierce advocate for the city.”
When Craig won the mayoral election in 2022, he knew there was only one person who could serve as his Deputy Mayor: Barbara Sexton Smith. “It felt like a full-circle moment,” he reflects. “We started our journey together in Leadership Louisville, and now we were going to work side by side to lead our city.”
Lessons in Leadership and Collaboration: Craig's experiences in both Leadership Louisville and Bingham Fellows deeply shaped his approach to governance. The programs taught him the importance of listening to diverse voices, building consensus, and taking bold actions when necessary. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” he explains. “It’s about bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where all voices are heard.”
Craig’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes from inclusive decision-making processes. “The programs taught me that you have to engage with all parts of the community,” he says. “You have to be willing to listen, to learn, and to adapt. That’s how you build trust and get things done.”
Professional and Personal Growth: Beyond his work in city government, Craig credits these leadership programs with helping him grow as an individual. “They pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, to challenge my own assumptions, and to think more strategically about how to create lasting impact,” he shares. “I gained confidence in my ability to lead, not just within my own organization but across the broader community.”
Craig also acknowledges the personal connections he made through the programs as a key factor in his decision to remain in Louisville and pursue public office. “I saw firsthand the difference that passionate, dedicated leaders could make in the community,” he explains. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”
Advice for Future Leaders: Craig encourages anyone considering a community leadership program to take the leap. “These programs are invaluable,” he says. “They connect you with people who are just as passionate as you are about making a difference. They challenge you to think differently and to be a better leader. And most importantly, they give you the tools and the network to make a real impact.”
He adds, “If you’re considering a program like Leadership Louisville or Bingham Fellows, don’t hesitate. You’ll come out of it with a deeper understanding of your community, new skills, and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Craig Greenberg’s story demonstrates how community leadership programs can play a critical role in shaping not just the careers of individual leaders but also the future of entire cities. His journey from Leadership Louisville and Bingham Fellows to the Mayor’s Office exemplifies the power of connection, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to community.
Through his leadership, Craig is now working to ensure that Louisville continues to thrive, drawing on the lessons, partnerships, and insights gained through his involvement in these transformative programs.
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The National Community Leadership Collaborative (NCLC) is a mindtrust of community leadership programs from coast to coast who want to grow impact in their communities and regions as well as collectively across the country by working together. Get to know our national movement by meeting alumni from various programs across the country.