Dr. Cody Rich was named the founding principal of the IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation in June 2024. 

Before taking the position as the principal of the IMPACT Center, Dr. Rich served as the principal of Jennings Creek Elementary School from July 2022 - July 2024. He is a known culture builder; in his first two years as principal, Jennings Creek Elementary obtained FranklinCovey Leader in Me Lighthouse status, researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness, and cultivated positive relationships between community members, students and teachers. 

Prior to being hired as the principal of Jennings Creek Elementary, Dr. Rich was the assistant principal of Warren Central High School, where he supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff, provided administrative support and leadership for school operations, and championed school-wide social-emotional learning initiatives. Dr. Rich has also served as a high school biology teacher, varsity boys head and assistant basketball coach, varsity girls head basketball coach and varsity head track coach. Since June 2020, through Western Kentucky University, Dr. Rich has also been a mentor for aspiring principal candidates.

“I am truly honored and thrilled to be named the first principal of the Impact Center for Leadership and Innovation. This unique opportunity allows me to bring my passion for transformative education and servant leadership to a pioneering institution dedicated to shaping future leaders. I look forward to working with a dynamic team as well as community partners to create an environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and leadership skills in our students. Together, we will cultivate a community where every student is empowered to make a meaningful impact on the world. I am excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the groundbreaking work at the Impact Center. I would like to thank Mr. Rob Clayton and the hiring committee for believing in me as we continue to work with stakeholders to accomplish many great things to best serve our students.,” said Dr. Rich.

While at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Rich earned his Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership (2022), a Rank 1 in Educational Administration (2019), a Masters of Arts in Secondary Education (2016), and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (2014).