Kenneth A. Kempton has served as the President and CEO of the LEADS Community Action Agency since 1995. During his tenure, LEADS has enjoyed continuous growth in the number of customers served, the amount of agency funding, the number of programs operated and the financial strength of the organization. LEADS is now recognized as an innovator and leader in the implementation of weatherization and home repair programs, in the development and construction of affordable housing and the operation of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

Mr. Kempton attended Ashland University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Majors in Business Management and Psychology. He received his Master of Business Administration degree from Xavier University and has successfully completed courses in contract law and property law from Capital University Law School.

He has served on many state and local Board of Directors including the Ohio Finance Fund, the Licking County Housing Coalition, and the United Way Planning Committee. He presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies and the Department of Job and Family Services Planning Committee.

Mr. Kempton has received recognition from the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives for his work 30 year career in Community Action. In addition, he has been recognized by Governor Ted Strickland, the John Glenn Institute at The Ohio State University, the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies and Mayor Michael B. Coleman for his contribution to the operation of Columbus LEADS. When the Community Action Agency in Columbus and Franklin County filed for bankruptcy the Ohio Department of Development asked Mr. Kempton and LEADS to continue to provide services and employ staff until a new agency could be incorporated and officially recognized. Columbus LEADS successfully operated for almost three years and during that time provided a record number of services to customers in Columbus and Franklin County.