Louisville Urban League faces wrongful-termination lawsuit from former CEO Kish Cumi Price: key facts and timeline
Overview
The Louisville Urban League is defending a wrongful-termination lawsuit filed by its former president and CEO, Dr. Kish Cumi Price, who says she was fired in retaliation after raising concerns about financial practices and conflicts of interest. The organization has disputed the allegations and has argued in court filings that the claims should be dismissed.
Who is suing and what is being alleged
Price began leading the Louisville Urban League on Nov. 1, 2022. Her tenure ended less than five months later, on March 20, 2023, when the organization announced she would be leaving effective immediately.
In the lawsuit, Price contends she was terminated without cause and that the termination was linked to issues she says she flagged internally, including questions about the handling of grants and the separation between the Louisville Urban League and a related nonprofit, the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Her claims describe concerns about overlapping staffing and the use of restricted funds, along with questions about governance and potential conflicts involving organizational relationships.
The Louisville Urban League’s position
The Louisville Urban League has denied Price’s allegations and has characterized the lawsuit as lacking merit. In June 2023, the organization’s attorney filed a motion asking a Jefferson County judge to dismiss Price’s complaint, arguing the claims do not meet the legal standards required to proceed.
The case has unfolded against Kentucky’s at-will employment backdrop, under which employers generally may terminate employment with or without cause, so long as the reason is not unlawful. Price’s lawsuit is framed as an exception to that general rule, asserting retaliation tied to her actions as CEO.
Developments in court and sworn testimony
Local court proceedings in 2023 included arguments over whether the case should be dismissed at an early stage. More recently, a Feb. 11, 2026 report from inside the courtroom described a tense second day of trial testimony.
In that testimony, Kimberly Sisnett, identified as a former chair of the Urban League’s board, said she did not see evidence of financial wrongdoing. She testified that she encouraged Price to document her concerns, and she described workplace and leadership issues—such as poor communication, personnel decisions, and an erosion of trust—as factors that led her to recommend Price’s termination.
Additional testimony summarized from that day described conflicting accounts: one witness said Price sought financial documentation related to the relationship between the organizations, while another testified that internal workplace conditions under Price’s leadership were the larger problem.
What Price is seeking
Monetary damages for lost compensation and benefits.
Additional damages related to reputational harm alleged in the complaint.
A jury trial, as requested in her filings.
Why the case matters locally
The Louisville Urban League is a longstanding civil-rights and service organization in Louisville with programs tied to workforce development, housing, and community health. The lawsuit places scrutiny on nonprofit governance, internal controls, and the practical boundaries between affiliated organizations—issues that can affect donor confidence, compliance obligations, and public trust while litigation continues.
Key dates: Nov. 1, 2022 (Price begins as CEO); March 20, 2023 (organization announces her immediate departure); June 12, 2023 (motion to dismiss filed); Feb. 11, 2026 (trial testimony publicly reported).