Meet the Civic Assembly Team
Lexington’s first Civic Assembly is hosted by CivicLex, a local nonprofit focused on strengthening the civic health in Lexington. We’re a small but mighty team of eight who have spent the last two years researching, creating, and conducting this Civic Assembly! We’re very proud to live and work in our community — and we’re the first Civic Assembly in the United States to be fully locally run and organized.
While the entire CivicLex staff have been involved in some way in this process, we have a core team who are leading the assembly. Meet them below.
Kit Anderson - Assembly Lead
Kit Anderson is the Deputy Director of CivicLex. Kit has spent the last two years leading this project and talking to subject experts, community members, and international groups to make sure this assembly reflects the needs of our community while following best practices. During the Civic Assembly, she will work closely with the facilitator and guest speakers while also ensuring assembly members feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable.
Email: kit@civiclex.org
Lilly Bramley - Project Specialist
Lilly supports and leads several special projects at CivicLex, including the Civic Assembly. She has been working with Kit the last two years on outreach and event logistics. During the Civic Assembly, Lilly will serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers and will be overseeing event logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Email: lilly@civiclex.org
Richard Young - Executive Director
Richard is the Founder and Executive Director of CivicLex. He leads the organization’s long-term vision while also overseeing day-to-day operations and staff management. During the Civic Assembly, Richard will be present for most sessions, supporting facilitation and helping guide the overall process to ensure a productive and meaningful experience for Assembly Members.
Email: richard@civiclex.org
Tanya Torp - Facilitator
Tanya Torp is a committed Lexingtonian who has spent her 25-year career engaging in community-based, people-centered initiatives as organizer, convener, speaker, listener, facilitator, writer, co-laborer, and consultant. As the facilitator for the Civic Assembly, she will help guide conversations and team building to make sure that all assembly members feel comfortable, supported, and heard.
Javan Thomas - Practicum Student
Javan is a current UK student who is supporting Lexington’s first Civic Assembly as a practicum student with CivicLex. He has assists with administrative tasks and outreach, and will be present at the assembly to support the assembly members and team.
Kristy Maggard - Events Coordinator
Kristy is the director of Maggard Marketing Group based in Lexington, and the Events Coordinator for the Civic Assembly. While she works independently from CivicLex, her role is essential to the success of the assembly. Kristy will collaborate closely with volunteers, manage catering, and oversee other logistical details.
Brandon Turner - Photographer
Brandon is a producer at Kentucky Educational Television (KET) and creator of Unsung Hero Media. He will be at the assembly documenting the process through photo and video, taking headshots for the assembly members, and collecting testimonials.
Haley Wartell - Director of Communications
Haley is the Director of Communications at CivicLex. For the Civic Assembly she leads the communication strategy, making sure that all phases of the project are clearly communicated to Lexington residents and stakeholders. Haley also worked with local partners on the branding and design of the project, coordinating press coverage, and getting materials.
Email: haley@civiclex.org
Riley Steffy - Communications Intern
Riley is fourth year student at UK in the College of Communications and Information. She is an intern with CivicLex for the Spring 2026 semester focusing on creating social media content about Lexington’s first Civic Assembly.
