Elizabeth McCoy, chief executive officer of Planters Bank in Hopkinsville, has been chosen for Leadership Kentucky’s Flame of Excellence Award.
“The Flame of Excellence Award recognizes outstanding Kentuckians who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a lasting commitment to strengthening communities throughout the Commonwealth,” Leadership Kentucky said in a press release. “McCoy has led Planters Bank for over two decades, helping grow the institution while serving in leadership roles with other organizations, including the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.”
The press release notes that under McCoy’s leadership over two decades, Planters Bank has grown significantly with 14 locations in Western Kentucky and Montgomery and Davidson counties in Tennessee, and with assets totaling $2 billion as of December 2025.
Originally from London, Kentucky, McCoy earned her bachelor’s in accounting and an MBA in accounting and finance from UK. McCoy is a board trustee for UK, serving on the executive committee.
Several state and local organizations have recognized McCoy for leadership in business, education and nonprofit work. These have included the Woman in Leadership Award from the Kentucky Chamber in 2023, the J. William Flowers Award from the United Way of the Pennyrile and the Laurel County Homecoming Out-of-Towner Award, both in 2022, and the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award from Women Leading Women in 2018.
The Leadership Kentucky Flame Award will be presented at a Jan. 7 luncheon at Central Bank Center in Lexington.
McCoy will be the 25th recipient of the Flame Award. Edward T. “Ned” Breathitt, former governor and Hopkinsville native, received the award in 2003.
