COVINGTON—Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley has been named president of the Kentucky League of Cities. His term runs now through 2027.

The statewide organization represents the Commonwealth's cities, municipal leaders, and related organizations. Fraley was sworn-in as KLC's leader during a ceremony in Covington held last Friday.

The KLC presidency gives Fraley access to local, state, and national leaders as he helps to shape policy around issues that impact all Kentucky cities and municipalities, such as jobs, quality-of-life, and public safety.

“My main focus remains the City of Berea and how we continue to support and serve the people of [our] great city,” Fraley said in a statement. “This is just another way for me to represent the community while helping advocate for cities throughout our region and the state.”

Fraley has been an active member of KLC for several years, serving on the organization's board of directors and executive board. Most recently, he served as KLC first vice president. He also serves in an ex officio, nonvoting role on the KLC Insurance Services Board.

“One of the things I value most about KLC is the opportunity to learn from other city officials," Fraley said in the statement. "Every community is different, but we face many of the same challenges."

KLC's executive director and CEO, J.D. Chaney administered the oath of office to Fraley during the 2026 KLC Conference & Expo held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory, meanwhile, was sworn in as first vice president, while Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed was named second vice president.

“Bruce is proud of his community, and wherever he goes as KLC president, he takes Berea with him," Chaney said in a statement. "At the same time, he brings to the role the perspective of a mayor who understands the day-to-day work of running a city and the importance of having local voices represented in Frankfort and Washington.”

Fraley is currently running for re-election as Berea mayor, a role he has held since January 2019. In the last election, he ran unopposed. This election cycle, Fraley's most visible opponent is political newcomer, Ricky Clontz. A third candidate, Troy Lane, is a registered candidate, but has not mounted a public campaign.

"I look forward to sharing Berea’s success and learning from city officials throughout Kentucky and the nation to ensure my community and all cities in Kentucky continue to have a strong voice.”

Prior to taking office as mayor, Fraley served on the Berea City Council from 2017 through 2018.

KLC is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1927 to provide legislative advocacy, legal guidance, training, insurance, financial services, community development, and other resources to Kentucky cities. KLC's executive board governs the organization, while its board of directors sets its legislative agenda.