2026 Annual Conference – Day #2
The Kentucky Coroners Association welcomes Dr. P. Michael Murphy as a featured speaker today.
With more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement and public service, Dr. Murphy brings a depth of knowledge that is both rare and impactful. From serving as Chief of Police in Mesquite, Nevada, to leading national efforts as the former National AMBER Alert Coordinator with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, his career has been defined by leadership, service, and innovation.
Dr. Murphy also spent 13 years as the Clark County Coroner in Nevada, serving the Las Vegas area, giving him firsthand experience in medicolegal death investigations and the challenges faced by coroners and death investigators every day. As a Fellow of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (F-ABMDI) and former President of the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners, he has played a key role in advancing professional standards across the field.
In addition to his operational leadership, Dr. Murphy is the President and CEO of MPOWER USA, where he continues to shape leaders nationwide through consulting and training. He is also a published author and a recognized subject matter expert, frequently appearing on programs such as 48 Hours and America’s Most Wanted.
We look forward to the insight and perspective he will share with attendees today in Bowling Green.
We’re proud to have Dr. Lionel Phelps joining us at this year’s conference.
Dr. Phelps serves as Vice President of Population Health at RiverValley Behavioral Health and brings more than two decades of experience in behavioral health, specializing in the intersection of mental health, substance use, trauma, and public safety systems. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has been instrumental in developing innovative programs across Kentucky, including the state’s first 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team and helping lead implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Throughout his career, Dr. Phelps has worked closely with law enforcement and first responders, providing critical support, assessments, and training for those facing the challenges of complex trauma and PTSD. His sessions on mental health awareness are not only informative, but directly applicable to the realities coroners and deputies encounter in the field.
We appreciate Dr. Phelps sharing his knowledge and helping strengthen the connection between behavioral health and medicolegal death investigation for the Kentucky Coroners Association.
