Washington County judge/executive celebrated for his service at LTADD Annual Meeting

Every year since 1978, the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) has honored one of its board members who best exemplifies the spirit of regionalism and dedicated public service.

For his visionary leadership, his dedication to disaster preparedness, and his lifetime of service to Kentucky, LTADD has named Washington County Judge/Executive Timothy Graves as the recipient of the Palmer A. “Pete” Peterson Memorial Award.

Considered the district’s highest honor, the award is presented annually to a member of the LTADD Board of Directors to recognize leadership qualities and a personal commitment to regional efforts that extend beyond the scope of official board activities.

“We are grateful to have a leader of Judge Graves’ caliber on our board working for our neighbors across our eight-county region,” said Daniel London, LTADD executive director. “Judge Graves has gone above and beyond his duties in service to our region through his active participation and leadership with LTADD, not to mention his willingness to enthusiastically step up to lead the effort to reestablish our Hazard Mitigation Council.” 

Judge Graves, who has served as Washington County Judge/Executive since 2019, was selected for his tireless advocacy for both his local community and the eight-county Lincoln Trail region. Most recently, Graves stepped forward to serve as chairman of the region’s reestablished Hazard Mitigation Council in May 2024. 

“Judge Graves is consistently at the front lines, advocating for his county and the entire LTADD region,” said Leslie Ashlock, LTADD community development specialist. “His leadership of the Hazard Mitigation Council reflects the region’s shared commitment to collaboration, proactive planning, and long-term resilience.” 

In addition to his role on the Hazard Mitigation Council, Judge Graves holds positions on several other LTADD bodies, including the LTADD Executive Committee, Budget Committee, Regional Transportation & Highway Safety Committee, and Water Management Planning Council. He also serves as chairman of the Revolving Loan Fund Committee.

“He always seeks opportunities to better serve the people of Washington County,” said Krista Levee, LTADD Community & Regional Economic Development (CRED) Division director. “He is a genuine and dedicated public servant, and a man of action whose leadership is defined by commitment, integrity, and results.”

Named in honor of the late Palmer “Pete” Peterson, an outstanding member of the Lincoln Trail ADD staff from 1974 until his death in 1978, the award was established to pay tribute to his distinguished public service. It is open to any LTADD Board member who has served a minimum of three years and has demonstrated active involvement in civic, community, or business organizations. Graves is the 48th recipient of the award.

“In looking at accomplishments of the past recipients of this award, I am deeply honored to be named among them,” said Judge Graves in accepting the award. “In joining the LTADD board in 2019, I was impressed with the opportunities it has provided me to better serve not only my constituents in Washington County but our entire region, and I leapt at the chance to take advantage of what I could. To be honored for just trying to better serve our region is something I will cherish.”

Each year, a committee of past winners selects the recipient of the Palmer A. “Pete” Peterson Memorial Award. To be eligible, a Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD) Board member must meet certain criteria to include serving on the board for at least three years and  not receiving this award within the last five years; attending at least 66% of all LTADD board functions; demonstrates a strong commitment to regionalism through voluntary contributions that go beyond official board duties; and must be a respected leader distinguished by their public service and active involvement in civic, community, or business organizations.

The award is open to both elected officials and citizen members who embody the spirit of dedicated public service.

“As our incoming board chairman, Judge Graves serves our executive board, and often takes on added duties to better serve our region through his work with LTADD,” London said. “His selection to the executive board and for this award is indicative of the respect his peers have for his leadership.”

A lifelong farmer in the beef cattle and crop industry, Graves is a former president of the Cattleman’s Association and spent years raising and showing Simmental beef cattle across the country. His professional background includes owning and managing Graves Construction Inc., where he provided residential and commercial building services throughout Central Kentucky, as well as serving as a field associate for the Kentucky Beef Network. In this capacity, he traveled the state to provide strategic guidance to fellow farmers on advancing their operations. Beyond his executive duties, Graves is deeply involved in regional governance, serving on the boards of Springfield-Washington County Economic Development, the Washington County Health Department, and Central Kentucky Community Action Council.

Graves lives on his family farm in Washington County with his wife of 34 years, Lori. They have three children and five grandchildren.