Joseph W. Craft III has been President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and a Director since August 1999, Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 1, 2019, and indirectly owns our general partner. Previously Mr. Craft served as President of MAPCO Coal Inc. since 1986. During that period, he also was Senior Vice President of MAPCO Inc. and had previously been that company’s General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer. He is a Director of the National Mining Association, and a Director and former Chairman of America’s Power. Mr. Craft is a Director and former Chairman of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He has been a Director of BOK Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: BOKF) since 2007 and chairman of its compensation committee since 2014. Mr. Craft holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky. Mr. Craft also is a graduate of the Senior Executive Program of the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mark Pope, a captain of the University of Kentucky’s 1996 National Championship team, returned to Lexington as the 23rd head coach of Kentucky’s storied men’s basketball program in April of 2024.

He has amassed more than 200 wins in his 10 seasons as a collegiate head coach. Pope’s squads have won 20 or more games in seven of the last eight seasons, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance with the Wildcats in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

In his first season in Lexington, Kentucky won eight games against Associated Press Top 15 opponents, setting a record for the most wins over top-15 teams in a single season in college basketball history. The team also set program records for the most made 3s in a season and had six players averaging double-digit points.

Prior to leading his alma mater, Pope spent five seasons at BYU, where three of his squads ranked among the top 20 most efficient offensive units in the nation. He began his head coaching career at Utah Valley, where the Wolverines increased their win total in every season he was at the helm.

A 1996 graduate of the University of Kentucky, Pope was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and spent 10 years in professional basketball. He and his wife, Lee Anne, have four daughters: Ella, Avery, Layla, and Shay.

Robert Stivers has served in the Kentucky Senate since 1997, representing the 25th District. He was elected Senate Majority Floor Leader in 2008 and has served as Senate President since 2013.

He chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee, and co-chairs the Legislative Research Commission. He also serves on the Senate Judiciary and Education Committees and was appointed co-chair of the Bourbon Barrel Taxation Task Force in 2022.

President Stivers has held leadership roles in national and regional organizations, including Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference, the Council of State Governments, and the Senate President’s Forum. In 2015, he was named Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year.

Representative Steven Rudy represents the 1st House District, which is comprised of Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties as well as a portion of McCracken County. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2004.

Rudy was chosen by colleagues in the House Majority Caucus to serve as House Majority Floor Leader, a key role in determining legislation considered by the House. Previously, Rudy chaired the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, which plays an instrumental role in the creation of the state budget as well as state and local tax policy.

Since taking office, Rudy has had many legislative accomplishments, including authoring the 2018 state budget which, for the first time in almost two decades, fully funded public pensions and also increased per pupil public education spending to record levels. He likewise sponsored comprehensive tax reform legislation, which increased Kentucky’s national tax competitiveness ranking from 33rd to 23rd in its first year of implementation.

In addition to his role as State Representative, Rudy works for his family’s agribusiness, Rudy’s Farm Supply, which serves Ballard County and neighboring communities.

Cara Silletto, MBA, CSP, is dedicated to helping organizations create a workplace where people can thrive. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) with an MBA, Cara recognizes the rising costs of conflict and skill gaps for organizations. Workforce Magazine in Chicago named Cara a “Game Changer” and Recruiter.com listed her in their “Top 10 Company Culture Experts to Watch.” She wrote the book "Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave & How to Keep Them Longer” and works with clients coast to coast to reduce unnecessary employee turnover.

Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Deal is President & CEO of the Long Term Strategy Group (LTSG), a defense research firm, and co-founder of the American Academy for Strategic Education (AASE.org), which teaches courses on net assessment, China, and political warfare to American and allied national security professionals. Her work has been published in American Affairs, Foreign Policy, the Journal of Strategic Studies, National Interest, National Review, the New York Times, and Politico, among other outlets, and she has testified before the U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission on Chinese Communist Party political and information warfare, PLA modernization, South China Sea developments, and U.S.-China relations. Dr. Deal is also a Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Contributing Editor of Parameters, the journal of the U.S. Army War College.

Michael Lucci is the founder, CEO, and Chairman of State Armor, which he created to develop and enact state solutions to global security threats. Mr. Lucci believes that a whole-of-government American response is needed to counter unprecedented global threats and ensure a free and peaceful 21st century. State Armor advances state policies to protect state critical infrastructure, build the supply chains of freedom, and cease malicious foreign influence operations. At State Armor, Mr. Lucci synthesizes a unique understanding of global affairs with deep experience in state policymaking. He works with both state and federal leaders to achieve State Armor’s mission.

Mr. Lucci has worked in state policy politics for more than a decade. He has been a Senior Policy Advisor to State Policy Network and a Senior Tax Advisor to Platte Institute. Mr. Lucci previously served as a presidential appointee on the Federal Services Impasse Panel and as the Chief of Policy to Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. He has been the Vice President of State Projects at Tax Foundation and the Vice President of Policy at Illinois Policy Institute. Mr. Lucci is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and lives in Texas with his family.

Jamie Link was named Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet by Governor Andy Beshear in November 2021. He previously served as Secretary of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet beginning in July 2021.

Throughout his more than 35-year career in public service, Link has been tapped to lead several high-profile, successful public-sector initiatives.

In January 2020, Gov. Andy Beshear asked Link to serve as executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority – the agency responsible for overseeing the KentuckyWired broadband expansion project, which has now constructed over 3,000 miles of high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic cable in all 120 Kentucky counties.

Link previously served as deputy secretary of both the Kentucky Finance and Administration and Tourism, Arts and Heritage cabinets. In 2010, he was appointed to serve as CEO of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games before becoming executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

Additionally, he has served as deputy chief of staff for former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Facilities Management, and has worked as both a finance director and a project coordinator at the University of Kentucky.​

Jeff Noel has served as Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development since June of 2022. He previously served as Whirlpool’s corporate vice president of communications and public affairs, reporting to the chairman and CEO, serving on the company’s global leadership team, a position he held for 18 years. He also served as president and managing director of Harbor Shores, a 525-acre, $700 million planned community redevelopment project. Jeff was vice chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for Governors Granholm, Snyder and Whitmer, and spent time in economic development for Kentucky Governors Wilkinson and Jones. He also worked for US Senator Wendell Ford and was a director for Brown and Williamson, a division of BTI Industries. He also owned a Tobacco Warehouse operation and developed 750,000 sq. ft. of commercial storage and retail real estate.

Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman was appointed as the state’s top environmental officer in December 2019 by Gov. Andy Beshear. Secretary Goodman has spent more than four decades in service to the Commonwealth. She most recently advocated on behalf of Kentucky utility ratepayers as the executive director of the Office of Rate Intervention within the Office of the Attorney General. Through her work on both state and federal cases, Secretary Goodman regularly dealt with social and environmental justice issues that frequently involved low income, disadvantaged and residential customer needs. She has served as general counsel for the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission and the Kentucky Electric Generation and Transmission Siting Board. Secretary Goodman also has served as the executive director of the Office of Legal Services at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet after beginning her career as a staff attorney for the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Secretary Goodman earned her Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law, and her Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from Kentucky State University.

Alan Manche serves as the Vice President, External Affairs for Schneider Electric. He is responsible for company strategy and participation in trade and industry associations, standards development organizations and conformity assessment. He currently serves in a number of leadership roles within the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the National Fire Protection Association.

Mr. Manche currently serves on the American National Standards Institute Board of Directors Executive Committee and Finance Committee and chairs the ANSI Company Member Forum.

Mr. Manche is also the Chair of the Electrical Safety Foundation Board of Directors and has also served on the Fire Protection Research Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Allison Grealis has over 23 years of experience in trade associations and is the Founder and President of Women in Manufacturing® (WiM), a global group supporting women in manufacturing. She also leads the WiM Education Foundation, which offers affordable education for women in the industry.

She hosts Hear Her Story, a monthly podcast featuring women from diverse manufacturing roles, with 35 episodes and 10,000+ downloads since 2021. Allison is a frequent speaker at industry events and appears regularly in podcasts and media.

Allison serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Saint Joseph Academy Advisory Board, the Council of Manufacturing Associations’ DEI committee, and is Vice-Chair of the National Skilled Trades Coalition. She previously held leadership roles with several Cleveland organizations.

Recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a 2018 Woman of Note and recipient of the 2021 Leadership in Manufacturing Award, Allison holds a BA from Ohio University and an MPA from the University of Akron.

Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-Lexington) represents Kentucky’s 12th Senate District, covering Boyle, Mercer, and Woodford counties, and part of Fayette County. She serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee and the Families & Children Committee, and co-chairs both the Artificial Intelligence Task Force and the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity.

Before joining the Senate, she served eight years on the Lexington City Council, including four as chair of the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee. A graduate of Hillsdale College and the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy, Bledsoe has also worked with the Council of State Governments and as an adjunct instructor in higher education.

Active in her community, she serves on several local boards and co-founded Her Knight Dance, supporting parenting initiatives in Central Kentucky.

With over 15 years of leadership experience, Amy has worked with various global organizations, bringing her expertise and passion for leadership to diverse teams and projects. With her extensive background in leadership, Amy is currently the Director of Leadership, Workforce and Culture for Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership through the University of Louisville. With a strong background in human resources, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development, Amy is known for her ability to create inclusive and collaborative workplace cultures that foster employee growth and development.

Throughout her career, Amy has held various leadership roles in HR including Vice President of HR and Talent Development, working with companies of all sizes across multiple industries. She has a proven track record of implementing innovative HR initiatives that have led to significant improvements in employee retention, performance, and productivity.

In Amy’s experience, she is passionate about empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves and organizations to reach unsurpassed achievements.

Amy holds several certifications including a John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Coach and Trainer. She has contributed to industry publications, a keynote speaker at conferences and events and is an award winning children’s author.

Amy Wombwell is the Co-Founder of BlackBox Energy, a company known for its TruVolt Motor, a BLDC Axial Flux motor that boasts exceptional efficiency, running at up to 98%. These motors maintain their efficiency even at extreme speeds, making them highly versatile. The TruVolt motor achieves its remarkable efficiency through innovative design, reducing the need for copper and iron by up to 500%, which translates to reduced weight and cost.

Andrew Hyde is the President of the Recycling Society, a role he's passionate about. The society aims to drive a significant change in recycling rates by inspiring the next generation and encouraging companies to invest their resources in this vital cause. In addition to his work with the Recycling Society, he serves as the Executive Vice President of Strategy at Schupan, bringing over 30 years of experience to his role. His extensive background spans from frontline operations to executive positions, providing him with a practical and collaborative perspective on recycling and the circular economy.

At Schupan, Andrew guides strategic growth initiatives for the third-generation, family-owned business. He collaborates across all of Schupan's business units to meet the evolving needs of the company's sustainable supply chain partners. Andrew's expertise in the global metals supply chain is a key asset in supporting Schupan's growth and helping its customers decarbonize their supply chains.

Brent Wilson is a global business executive with Dual Citizenship of the United States and Germany, recognized for establishing industry-leading operational and supply chain teams in the Metals Industry, delivering commercial value, and driving strategy. Well versed as a business founder and shareholder, as a managing executive in the metals industry and as a creator and implementor of transformational change programs. A competitor by nature, rooted by his collegiate and professional success on the basketball court, proficient in adapting to environments and frameworks while maintaining composure in high-stress situations. Experienced in aligning North American industrial manufacturing operations with European headquarters. Adept in capturing technological advancements while maintaining a grounded approach when things need to get done. Brent is an Executive Officer of the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University, and he is the Co-Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Roundtable for local executives and plant managers. Additionally, he serves the Bluegrass Blazers as a Head Coach for Varsity Basketball.

Brian Osterman is the Director of the Division of Waste Management. Prior to this post, he served as the the Director of the Division of Enforcement. Previously, he was the  branch manager of the Division of Waste Management Field Operations Branch where he led the day-to-day operations of over 80 field staff across 10 regional offices. He started his career in 2009 with the Division of Waste Management in the Underground Storage Tank Branch. He later served that division as a field inspector and environmental scientist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky.

Cassidy Caid is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience designing, installing, and repairing automation systems in manufacturing environments. A graduate of the University of Louisville, Cassidy spent four years at the Louisville Automation and Robotics Research Institute, focusing on applied robotics and industrial automation research. Currently with the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), Cassidy helps manufacturers implement practical, scalable automation solutions that enhance efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness.

Dan Yoder is Chief Operations Officer at R.A Jones, where he oversees all aspects of manufacturing, operations, and supply chain, while also leading cross-functional performance strategies and corporate operations initiatives across the US. Since joining in 2022, he has driven a company-wide energy strategy aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), including investments in onsite power generation and energy efficiency. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton and a master's in supply chain management from Penn State. He is also a graduate of General Electric's Operations Management Leadership Program.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife Katie and their three young children—Jack, Luke, and Emerson—through hiking, playing sports, and cheering on FC Cincinnati. He’s also an avid runner, having completed 10 marathons including New York, Chicago, and Boston (twice).

Dave Hatter is an award-winning technology professional who’s done thousands of media interviews as a subject matter expert. In addition to offering expert advice on the radio, TV and internet, Dave serves as Intrust’s cyber security consultant.

During Dave’s 30 plus years in the business, he’s focused on software development and cyber security. He has experience as a software engineer, project manager and instructor. In addition to working in the industry for decades, Dave has been an adjunct instructor at Cincinnati State Community and Technical College for nearly 20 years, teaching programming courses to help the next generation of workers prepare for careers in technology.

An enthusiastic technology student and evangelist, Dave has written more than 100 published articles and has been quoted in national and regional print media.

David Mauro, VP of Strategic Growth, NetGain Technologies and a proud member of the FBI's InfraGard, protecting our critical infrastructure. He is a strategic leader with the award-winning IT Security MSP/MSSP NetGain Technologies, serving manufacturing organizations across the United States, and has worked in the industry since 1998 as CIO and Managing Director for private and public organizations.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate Law Degree. He has served as a national public speaker on CMMC, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity, a former trial attorney and prosecutor, advisor at the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and a consultant with Lloyd’s of London, UK, specializing in risk management and compliance. David has served as a vCISO and vCIO consulting director for manufacturing organizations across the United States.

A lifelong Pennsylvanian, I was born and raised in a small town in Southwestern Pennsylvania called Rices Landing. After graduating high school, I attended West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV and received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering in 1996.

After graduation, I was hired as a Production Engineer at OSRAM Sylvania in Towanda. During the first several years of my career, I worked as a Production Engineer in several of the different chemical and powder departments and went back to school for my MBA. I graduated with an MBA in 2002 from Syracuse University.

In 2004 I was selected as the Production Line Manager for the chemicals department and that began my career into Management. In 2010 I was hired as Plant Manager over the Chemicals and Powders division in Towanda and the facility in the Czech Republic. This role was one of my favorite roles throughout my career.

During this time OSRAM Sylvania sold the company and we became known as Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. With new leadership in place, in 2017 I was chosen as one of the first two female Vice President’s within GTP. This role was a Global Sales lead and management for the chemicals and powders sales for GTP.

After the pandemic, as many folks did, I began wondering what else might be out there and decided to leave GTP after 25 years of service to the present company that I am working for, Tungco. I was hired in October 2021 as the President of Lineage Metallurgical, LLC, a company that is owned by Tungco. Lineage Metallurgical is a thermal spray powder company located in Baytown, Texas. I worked remotely and visited Baytown about once every 3 weeks.

In the fall of 2023, I relocated to Madisonville, Kentucky to work out of the Tungco corporate headquarters and promoted to my present role of Chief Operating Officer in Tungco.

Married for 24 years, my family includes my husband Kevin, stepson, Shelby, two grandchildren, James, and Jade, daughter, Katherine, who is a freshman at West Virginia University, and my deceased stepson, Dakota, who passed away in December 2021.

While living in Bradford County, I was quite involved in the community being a member of the Bradford County United Way Board, on the committee of Bradford-Sullivan Counties Outstanding Young Woman Program, a lector at SS Peter and Paul Church, a member of the Towanda Area School District’s School Board, and the Towanda Area representative on the Northern Tier Career Center’s Joint Operating Committee.

My hobbies outside of work include travel, competitive dance, walking, and being a cat mom to our cat Sparkles.

Derek R. Poor is a native of Kentucky and a U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of service, including 17 years with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Throughout his career, he held various leadership roles and positions of influence, including first-line supervisor, combat skills instructor, and program manager. Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury during training in 2015, he served with distinction while earning a degree in Intelligence Studies with a focus on Counter-Terrorism from American Military University. Derek retired in 2019 and has since dedicated himself to workforce development, advocating for transitioning service members, military spouses, and veteran entrepreneurs. He serves on the advisory board of a small business development organization, volunteers in his local community and church, and remains active in military associations. Derek and his wife, Jennifer, have three children and live near Fort Campbell.

DJ has served as the Site Director for Wacker Chemical Company’s site in Calvert City, KY, since 2021. He has a long history in Calvert City, working at the site in multiple roles with Wacker and Air Products and Chemicals from 1995 to 2012. In the interim, DJ previously served multiple roles with Koch Industries’ ammonia production site in Dodge City, KS, from 2012 to 2021. Prior to moving to Kentucky, DJ was in Freeport, TX with BASF Corporation in operations from 1989 to 1995. DJ earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. DJ serves as Vice Chair for the chemical industry on KAM’s Board of Directors, as well as serving as the chair of the Energy Roundtable.

Ed Walton has over 30+ years of experience in the IT industry with startups and global organizations. In 2009, Ed was the Strategic Accounts and Vertical Strategy Leader for Networking for Avaya. In 2014, Ed joined Cradlepoint as the Vice President of Partners, Distribution and Strategic Alliances before becoming a Vice President of Sales. Ed is currently the CEO of STEP CG, a highly innovative nationwide IT services engineering firm powering Industry 4.0 initiatives for several global brands in Manufacturing, Hospitality, Services and Logistics.

Ed Walton received an MBA from the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business in 2006 and holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985. Ed also holds an MIT Professional Education Digital Programs Honor Code Certificate for Internet of Things: Roadmap to a Connected World from edX.

Eric DeLodder has over 20 years of engineering and technical experience supporting the manufacturing sector. A graduate from University of Louisville, Eric is a degreed mechanical engineer and a Certified Energy Manager, and is a former ISO 50001 auditor. With 13 years of experience at Trane, Eric specializes in both the development and implementation of industrial decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects for process heating and cooling applications, as well as traditional HVAC applications.

Eric Goff heads Goff Policy, an Austin-based advocacy and advisory firm focused on energy and infrastructure policy. Many of his clients have a strategic focus on energy transition issues. He helps consumers, battery, solar developers, banks, utilities, and retailers manage and understand ERCOT markets. Before practicing as an independent consultant, he worked for Citigroup Energy and previously worked for NRG Energy, Reliant Energy, and Constellation New Energy. He is the past Chair of ERCOT subcommittees and working groups.

Eric King brings over 17 years of energy policy experience to his role leading Kentucky's energy planning efforts. As University of Kentucky's Assistant Vice President for Research and Executive Director for Federal Relations for 11 years, he secured significant federal investment in energy research and technology.

King previously served as Senior Advisor to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, focusing on energy policy and building relationships across Congress and federal agencies. He also worked with the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, gaining hands-on experience with the state's utility sector and rural energy issues.

A Murray State graduate who served as Student Body President, King received APLU's Jennifer Poulakidas Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 and was selected for Murray State's Top 22 Under 40 in 2025.

Frank Jemley joined the KAM team in December 2021 after holding leadership roles in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Frank was an advisor to a transportation safety technology start-up in Louisville before joining KAM. He previously served three years as an appointee of Governor Matt Bevin and Governor Andy Beshear as the chief of staff of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, where he helped manage a dozen Kentucky state government agencies with some 1,800 team members and a $280 million annual budget. During his state government service, Frank served a year in an additional role as the acting commissioner of Kentucky’s wildlife management and conservation agency, leading a team of 400 scientists, law enforcement officers, and other public servants and managing an $80 million annual budget.

For more than a decade, Frank advised companies and prominent institutions on public affairs issues in Washington, D.C., and state capitols across the country as a principal of Atticus Ventures, where his work included leading the public affairs initiatives here in the U.S. of the Property Council of Australia. Among Atticus’s other clients were the Smithsonian Institution’s Wilson Center, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Churchill Downs Inc., other Fortune 500 companies, and a number of small businesses.

Greg the Assistant Vice President and Treasurer for Toyotetsu North America, and has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing accounting. He currently supports the seven Toyotetsu and joint-venture locations across North America in the shared services areas of Finance, Accounting, and IT. Greg is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BS degree in Accounting and currently lives in Mount Vernon with his wife Paula.

Heather Yocum has served Jefferson Community and Technical College for 17 years, where she currently leads as Campus Director and Associate Professor at the Carrollton Campus. A Carroll County native, former Jefferson student, and graduate of the local high school, Heather is deeply committed to building strong partnerships that connect education and industry.

She was instrumental in shaping the Future 42 initiative by working closely with business and industry partners to develop its brand, identity, and reach as an advanced manufacturing pathway along Highway 42. Through Future 42, students access co-ops, paid work experiences, scholarships, and high-wage career pathways in fields such as Applied Process Technologies, Engineering & Electronics Technology, and Welding. Scholarship opportunities have grown significantly, expanding from just 7–10 applications in past years to 45 applications this year alone.

Heather also founded the Future 42 Mentor Program which began with one employer and 20 students and has since grown to five employer partners and more than 70 students across five counties. In addition, she helped launch the Future 42 Tour Series, which introduces area high school students to local industries and career pathways.

She believes exposure, opportunity, and relationship-building are key to student success, and she continues to champion efforts that bridge the gap between schools and industry to prepare the next generation of talent.

Ian D. McClure, J.D., LL.M., is Vice President for Innovation at UK HealthCare, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Impact, and Executive Director of UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky. In this role, he leads the university’s efforts to translate discoveries for public benefit, expand commercialization and entrepreneurship, and build industry and research partnerships. He oversees five units within UK Innovate, Ecosystem, Health Care Innovation, R&D Partnerships, Technology Commercialization and the TRUST Hub, helping drive innovation and tech-based economic development across the state and beyond.

Before joining UK, Ian built a diverse career spanning law, startups and investment banking. He practiced as an M&A and IP attorney, helped launch and scale IPXI in Chicago and later served as Vice President of IP Strategy at Black Stone IP in San Francisco. Nationally, he serves on the board of the Center for American Entrepreneurship, was previously past chair and board member for AUTM and was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He has been named one of the World’s Leading IP Strategists by IAM Magazine for six consecutive years.

James DeSmet is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience in top leadership roles at General Electric and Big Ass Fans. Driven by a long-held goal to build his own engineering firm, James acquired CRG Automation in 2019 and transformed it into a nationally recognized industrial automation and integration company—one known for solving the kinds of complex engineering challenges that leave others scratching their heads.

As CEO, James grew CRG Automation from a six-person team to more than 30 employees, earning national recognition for the company’s rapid growth, innovation, and culture. Under his leadership, CRG delivered advanced automation systems for demanding environments, including its critical role in the U.S. Department of Defense’s chemical weapons demilitarization program. Today, the company supports a range of blue-chip clients in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, offering custom-engineered solutions alongside high-performance equipment and machinery.

Now serving as Chairman of the Board, James provides strategic direction, governance, and M&A guidance as CRG continues to expand its capabilities and reach. A lifelong learner and technology enthusiast, he actively explores emerging innovations—within automation and beyond.

James holds a Marine Engineering Systems degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and has earned GE Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt certifications (DFSS/DMAIC). He served 14 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve and is also the President and Co-Founder of 502cares, Inc., a Louisville-based nonprofit. Outside of work, James enjoys spending summer weekends at the lake with his wife Missy and their four children.

Jan concentrates his practice in the area of international regulation and trade with a particular focus on import and export matters, customs regulations, labeling requirements, and transaction licensing. Jan has significant experience in counseling clients as to their responsibilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and export licensing obligations under the Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) and the Department of State’s International Traffic In Arms Regulations (“ITAR”).

In addition, Jan advises companies and individuals in matters relating to U.S. embargoes and sanctions, with experience in both the voluntary disclosure of violations and obtaining appropriate licenses for international transactions. He also assists companies importing goods into the United States with customs law issues, including classification and valuation of products; Customs duty protests; and country of origin and other labeling requirements.

As Duke Energy’s vice president of government affairs and community relations, Jennifer Loraine leads the government affairs, community relations and stakeholder engagement teams in Ohio and Kentucky. These teams are focused on strategic business initiatives as well as the state strategy to facilitate and accelerate the company’s clean energy transition while keeping energy affordable and reliable. Jennifer previously served as vice president of federal public policy, where she aligned federal policy with the company’s business strategy and played a critical role in successful advocacy on issues relating to the clean energy transition. Prior to joining Duke Energy, she was a key advisor developing successful high-level strategies to implement critical initiatives while serving in various senior positions in the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and the Department of Energy. Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Jennifer currently serves on the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee and the Northern Kentucky Chamber Board of Advisors. She is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and Missouri.

Jason Fowler is the Health and Safety Team Leader at Logan Aluminum, where he leads safety strategy and drives continuous improvement across operational teams. Since joining the company in 2011, Jason has advanced through a variety of roles, including Operating Technician in the Remelt Scrap Bay and Cast Bay, Unit Safety Coordinator, and EHS Process Specialist. In 2022, he transitioned to the ESS department.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Murray State University. He lives in Russellville, Kentucky with his wife, Kimberly. Outside of work, he enjoys cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jessica Alexanderson, known to many as Scuba Jess, is the Executive Director of The Recycling Society, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring schools, students, and communities to recycle aluminum cans and other metals. Through creative education initiatives like the Million Cans Recycling Contest and the Recycling Is Like Magic children’s book series, Jess is passionate about teaching the next generation how recycling saves energy, protects oceans, and creates a more sustainable future. When she’s not organizing recycling programs, you’ll find her scuba diving and helping clean up waterways.

Jessie Schook serves as Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at KCTCS. In this role, she is tasked with building strong relationships with business and industry stakeholders and state partners to develop and improve innovative workforce initiatives. She is also focused on improving the employment success of graduates and current students. Prior to this position, Jessie Schook was the AVP of Workforce and Economic Development and the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions where she supported the 16 KCTCS colleges in their delivery of customized training and rapid response program development. Before joining KCTCS, Jessie held a position at Greater Louisville Inc., the Metro Chamber of Commerce, as the Director of Education and Workforce Connectivity. Over the past 15 years, she has held positions touching many facets of education and workforce development including classroom instruction, curriculum design, and work readiness program development. Jessie has earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish from the University of Kentucky and a master’s in Hispanic Studies from New York University. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Louisville and her research is focused on demonstrating the return on investment in public-private partnerships for a variety of stakeholders including employers, learners, and institutions. An education advocate, Jessie believes that when employers and educators work in lockstep, students find their passions and build experience more easily, creating a more competitive workforce.

Representative Jim Gooch, Jr. is currently in his 16th term serving the 12th House District, which today includes Crittenden, McLean, Union, and Webster counties. He has served in the Kentucky House of Representatives since 1995.

Jim and his wife Alta live in Providence, Kentucky. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim’s professional career has been in the insurance and real estate arena. He was the founder and president of Gooch Insurance Associates Inc. from 1982 until it was sold in 1998 and has been a licensed real estate sales associate since 1987.

He has been active in community events by serving on the Providence-Webster County Airport Board and the Webster County Economic Development Board. He also served as Mayor of Providence from 1982-1986, on the Providence City Council for three years, and is currently serving in his 30th year as the 12th House district’s State Representative. As former president of the Providence Chamber of Commerce, Providence Jaycees, and Providence Puritan Club, Jim was named Providence “Citizen of the Year” in 1990.

In Frankfort, Gooch, Jr. serves as Chair of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, alongside membership on the Banking and Insurance Committee; Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; and the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. He is a proud member of the Pro-Life Caucus, the Bourbon Trail Caucus, the Kentucky Sportsmen Caucus, the Western Kentucky Caucus, and the Mountain Caucus.

Joe Gobis is a results-oriented Regional Sales Manager with a proven track record of driving process improvements, managing complex projects, and developing successful long-term strategies. Leveraging a strong foundation via his engineering and advanced business degrees, Joe has successfully implemented large-scale automation solutions across various industries. Before joining CRG Automation, he held various process automation-focused roles at companies such as WESCO, Bastian Solutions and Ford Motor Company. Joe’s technical know-how, vendor relationships and hands-on experience make him a highly versatile and capable partner to manufacturers looking to uplevel their capabilities.

John Bevington joined LG&E and KU in October 2018. In his role, he directed all aspects of LG&E and KU’s business and economic development strategies and implementation, including the development and delivery of demand side management and energy efficiency programs, and customer offerings in emerging technologies. In 2024, Bevington’s role expanded to direct economic development for PPL’s service territories in Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Before joining the company, Bevington was with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for nine years and held a number of roles with increasing responsibility and finished his tenure there as Commissioner of the Department of Business Development.

Bevington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and finance from Western Kentucky University.

He serves or has served on the board of the Frankfort YMCA, the YMCA of Central Kentucky, the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, United Way of the Bluegrass, and the KET Louisville Regional Fund Board.

Kalle serves as the Strategic Partnerships Manager at CBT Company, a leader in intelligent industrial solutions for more than a century. In this role, she collaborates across all facets of the CBT team to drive strategic growth by connecting manufacturers with modernization initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and support long-term digital transformation. CBT’s focus on integrating reliability, innovation, and cost-saving solutions has aligned closely with Kalle’s commitment to creating value through collaborative, forward-thinking partnerships. A graduate of Morehead State University and proud Chi Omega alumna, Kalle has been eager to expand CBT’s presence from Northern Kentucky into the Louisville and Lexington markets. She brings a people-first leadership style, deep industry insight, and a passion for building strong, strategic relationships as she serves as Vice Chair of Women in Manufacturing Kentucky. In addition to her work at WiM KY she is a member of the events and marketing committee for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership. In her free time she enjoys adventures with her husband and children and promoting sustainability through their vintage clothing business.

Kenneth lives in Ohio County with his wife, Melanie, of 29 years. They have four children, all of whom have pursued higher education. An eighth-generation Kentuckian, he values his family’s long ties to the Commonwealth and remains committed to its future. Kenneth’s career includes experience in manufacturing, military service, and executive leadership. He began in manufacturing production, moved into leadership roles, and now serves as a senior executive overseeing human resources strategy for a global workforce of 2,800 employees. His background provides perspective on both the realities of frontline work and the responsibilities of executive decision-making. A U.S. Army veteran, Kenneth served as a Combat Advisor in Afghanistan and as a Drill Instructor in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he trained and mentored soldiers. These experiences reinforced his focus on discipline, accountability, and resilience, which continue to guide his leadership. Kenneth holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration, both from Bellevue University. He has also contributed to regional and statewide initiatives that build workforce pipelines, strengthen Kentucky’s manufacturing sector, and support economic growth in rural communities. His focus remains on creating opportunities, developing talent, and helping ensure Kentucky is a strong place to work and live.

Kent Guthrie is the Vice President of Facilities for Trace Die Cast, Inc. in Bowling Green, KY. Kent started working for Trace Die Cast in 1994 after receiving his BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky. As a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University, Kent completed his Master of Science in Business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business class of 2001. Trace Die Cast, started in 1988, manufactures high pressure aluminum die castings for the automotive industry. Kent is a 2nd generation owner of this family company along with his three brothers.

Kerry Creech serves as group vice president of Region 1 for Toyota Motor North America and president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (Toyota Kentucky). He oversees a $11 billion operation, which employs nearly 9,500 people, and in a year, can produce as many as 550,000 vehicles and more than 600,000 engines. Toyota Kentucky is Toyota’s largest production facility globally, producing the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus ES 350 (including hybrid version), and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid; plus, four-cylinder and V6 engines, in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Prior to being named president, he was responsible for overall management of vehicle manufacturing and logistics at Toyota Kentucky.

During his 35-year career with Toyota, Creech has held several other manufacturing management positions, including general manager of assembly and management positions in quality control and engineering, and powertrain quality control. He started his career as a powertrain production team member at Toyota Kentucky in 1990.

In 2009, he was dispatched to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana for a year to support the launches of the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Sienna as assistant general manager in quality control. He returned to Toyota Kentucky quality control in the same role in 2010.

Creech holds an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology from Lexington Community College as well as a Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering technology from Grantham College.

He currently serves on the board of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and supports numerous nonprofits including Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

Kim Bentley is the Director, Marketing Communications at Hot Paper Lantern, an agency in NYC, and is the only employee located in the state of Kentucky. She serves global manufacturing clients with operations in the United States through brand marketing initiatives.

Prior to Hot Paper Lantern, she was the Marketing & Brand Communications Manager at voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, where she aided the company in winning the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year Award through the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, achieving exponential growth through sales and expansions, brand storytelling initiatives, and enhanced employer branding efforts.

Kim has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Communication from Asbury University, in Wilmore, Kentucky, and has spent the last 20 years of her career in sports and manufacturing with a focus on brand storytelling. ​

She's been awarded a regional Emmy, an AMA Marketing Pinnacle Award, Women of Excellence in Metalforming and Fabricating, and other recognitions throughout her career.

Laura Haury is a Senior Environmental Engineer at Logan Aluminum, Inc. with over 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience in process engineering and environmental, health and safety compliance. Over the past 18 years at Logan Aluminum, she has specifically focused on water quality, waste management, and recycling/sustainability efforts. Laura has provided environmental compliance leadership to the manufacturing operations over the course of three major expansions. Laura now concentrates on recycling efforts, environmental education, and community outreach. The focus of her work now is to raise awareness about aluminum recycling and develop programs to move the dial to increase the current recycling rates.

Kimberly Fowler is the Remelt Process Engineer Leader at Logan Aluminum, where she provides strategic leadership across people and processes to ensure optimal production performance. Her role includes managing quality control, driving process innovation, and overseeing training programs within the business unit. Kimberly began her career at Logan Aluminum in 2012 as an Operating Technician in Remelt Scrap Bay. She later joined the Process Team as a Continuous Improvement Specialist, followed by leadership roles in the Metal Recovery Center and Scrap Bay. She transitioned into her current position in September 2024.

Kimberly is currently pursuing her Bachelor in Organizational Leadership at Western Kentucky University. She resides in Russellville, Kentucky with her husband, Jason, and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Lucas Witt is a founding partner of MWM Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in economic development, real estate advisory, and tax incentive services. He is an experienced economic development professional and licensed real estate sales associate with a strong record of guiding complex projects that drive substantial capital investment and job creation.

Lucas began his career at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, where he led major recruitment and expansion efforts for companies such as Novelis in Todd County, PACCAR in Louisville, and Century Aluminum in Hancock County. Collectively, the projects he managed at the Cabinet resulted in more than $2 billion in capital investment and the creation of over 2,000 new jobs across the Commonwealth.

Following his tenure in state government, Lucas co-founded MWM Consulting, where he leverages his background in economic development, real estate, and government relations to support both communities and corporate clients. Under his leadership, MWM has facilitated projects generating nearly $2 billion in new investment, over 1,500 new jobs, and more than $25 million in state tax incentives. His expertise includes capital investment strategy, project negotiation, and client engagement.

Mark A. Loyd co-leads Dentons’ National Tax Practice Group. He is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated, and has been selected as a Super Lawyer and a Best Lawyer. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, he has successfully resolved tax issues across the United States.

Matthew Fulco is Business Editor for Aviation Week, focusing on commercial aerospace and defense. He is part of the reporting team that won the 2024 Neal Award for Best Single Issue of a Tabloid/Newspaper/Magazine (Aviation Week’s Aerospace & Defense 2024) and the team that produced a special report on China (The China Conundrum) published in September and October 2023 that is a finalist for the Aerospace Media Awards' Best Aerospace and Defense Submission. He previously worked as a journalist in Taiwan for eight years, covering semiconductor supply chains, defense, and geopolitics. Prior to that he was based in Shanghai for five years covering the technology and hospitality sectors. He is proficient in Mandarin Chinese and French. Matthew holds a Master of International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and a BA in History from Kenyon College.

Mike Buckentin retired as President and CEO of Logan Aluminum in October 2024, having led North America’s largest aluminum manufacturing facility in Russellville, Kentucky for 7 years. In December, he joined MI2 as CEO, building on his previous experience as a board member and metals leadership council member. Previous to Logan, Mike worked at BlueScope Steel in Kalama, WA, where he served as VP of Operations for the Coated Products division, a joint venture between BlueScope and Nippon/Sumitomo. Prior to BlueScope, Mike held the position of Chief Operations Officer at SOLB Steel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has also held various senior-level executive positions throughout his career in the steel and metals industry. Mike serves, or has served, on the board of the Governor’s Scholars Program, Secat, Kentucky Chamber, Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. He continues to be active in various areas and activities across the state. Mike is a graduate of Montana Tech with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, and the University of Illinois with a Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering. He and his wife, Mary, have five children. His interests include golf, hiking, boating, and traveling.

Nora Bryant is the Manager of Strategic Communications at MI2, where she manages MI2’s social media efforts, digital newsletters, media relations, and special projects communications. Nora’s love for communications and storytelling ignited in the Kentucky tourism industry, where she has spent the majority of her professional career working in various marketing and communication roles with Visit LEX, Visit BGKY, and the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Nora lives in Bowling Green with her husband and daughter and is very active in the local community. She serves on the Landmark Association board, participates in Bowling Green Young Professionals, is a member of Bowling Green Magazine’s 2022 40 under 40 class and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Bowling Green. Nora, a Henderson, KY, native and a Western Kentucky University graduate, works with a wide variety of organizations including non-profits, small businesses, and tourism entities, championing a diverse group of Kentucky stories to the world.

Paige Van Zandt-Moody is the Smart Factory Ambassador for Schneider Electric’s 2x World Economic Forum Lighthouse facility located in Lexington, Kentucky. In this role, she supports the Industrial Digital Transformation group by hosting tours and workshops with customers from various industries looking for guidance and inspiration through the lens of an already established, digitally transformed 65+ year old brownfield facility.

After graduating with her degree in International Business and Global Supply Chain Management from Eastern Kentucky University, Paige Joined Schneider Electric as a supervisor in the Lexington facility in 2017. Since 2017, she spent 7 years in various roles including the warehouse and fabrication manage, leading both union and salaried team members during a time of expansion, and digitization throughout the facility. She brings her personal experience and passion for the Lexington facility to her current role as the Ambassador to showcase the ‘Art of the Possible’ to customers around the world, and help them meet their own Digital Transformation Goals.

Pete has over 41 years of nuclear industry experience. After beginning his career as a nuclear submarine officer, Pete worked in commercial nuclear power and for the US Department of Energy.

For the past 20 years, Pete has held various leadership positions executing Fluor nuclear Engineering, Procurement Construction, Operations and Decommissioning projects.

In his current role, Pete is responsible for technical sales and execution of nuclear new build projects, including Generation III+ and Generation IV designs – for both large and small modular reactors.

Louisville native, Rob Givens, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and achieved the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in 2013 after serving his country for 27 years in the United States Air Force. During his military career he became a command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours in the F-16 and A/O A-10. Rob is a combat veteran with more than 100 career combat sorties in Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and was twice decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in action against Iraq. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew as the Right Wing for the USAF Thunderbirds. His commands included the 35th Fighter Squadron, the 56th Operations Group and the historic 8th Fighter Wing - the Wolfpack.

In January 2015 Rob served as the national security advisor to the Rand Paul for Senate Campaign and as an independent advisor on defense issues with both the public and private sector. In 2017 Rob assumed the role of Executive Director of the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship helping develop leaders of the future for our Republic. In July of 2019 Rob was selected to become State Director for U.S. Senator Rand Paul. In this role Rob is responsible for the official operations of the Senator’s office within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Ruth is the Senior Vice President for Lofted Spirits and has more than 30 years of experience in Human Resources, most recently serving as HR Director, Global Manufacturing and Engineering and North America Regional Lead for Trinseo LLC, covering 1700 employees across North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. She is passionate about workforce development at all levels and enterprise-wide talent growth.

Sam Ford is Chief Partnership Officer for MI2. In this role, he oversees the communications strategy and execution for MI2 across all channels, support of partnerships with strategy partners, and oversight of MI2’s membership programs. Sam is also Founding Partner of the strategy firm Innovation Engine. From MI2’s founding until the end of 2024, Sam served as MI2’s Director of Strategic Communications. Sam’s prior work includes in-house roles at Paramount, Univision, Peppercomm, and MIT, leading innovation initiatives. He also helped launch the nonprofit AccelerateKY in 2021 as a result of Kentucky becoming the first U.S. state to go through the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program and which took on as one of its first major projects supporting the concept, formation, and launch of MI2.

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Sam is co-author of the 2013 NYU Press book Spreadable Media, voted one of Strategy+Business 2013 Best Business Books and a “Top 10 Best Marketing Book You Read This Summer” by Advertising Age, and chosen by NYU Press as one of their top books of the decade in 2020. Sam currently serves on the boards of Kentucky-based nonprofits Kentucky to the World, Canopy, and Employward.

Sam Keathley is the Senior Workforce Analyst at the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) and is a native of Pike County currently living in Powell County. Between his work with various U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics programs and the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System, Sam has more than a decade of experience making labor market data accessible to education and workforce professionals across the state.

Sam Kirby is the Owner and Chief Creative Officer at Vid Monster, a Bowling Green-based creative agency specializing in video, design, web, and digital advertising projects. Sam has been in the creative industry for over 10 years and has particularly found a strength in helping industry clients improve their storytelling. Since founding Vid Monster in 2016, Sam has led the organization through various phases of expansion and growth while maintaining a strong commitment to being a strong and vocal community participant. Sam is an MBA graduate of WKU and spends free time with his wife, dog, and newborn.

Scott Broughton brings over 30 years of experience driving business growth and innovation. A seasoned leader and master trainer, he's helped countless companies, from startups to Fortune 100, achieve significant process improvements and product development success.

Scott Steuer is the Project Director for Global Laser Enrichment. Scott is responsible for the design, construction and startup of GLE’s proposed Laser Enrichment Facility located in Paducah, KY. His 30 years of experience covers the full spectrum of engineering, procurement, construction management, direct-hire and validation services over a broad range of projects and contract types, and in varied global industries, including mission critical, high-tech, industrial manufacturing and nuclear. Scott has successfully completed numerous large capital projects in the nuclear industry, including uranium enrichment facilities, uranium deconversion facilities and nuclear waste facilities. He is focused on building high performing teams, mentoring and successful delivery of large capital projects.

Shelley’s commitment to building relationships is a core value in serving clients, leading the FFR Wealth Team, and supporting the greater community. As a Certified Financial Planner™, the standard of excellence for financial planners, her extensive financial training and decades of experience informs and empowers others to pursue and achieve their personal vision of freedom. Shelley leads a team of specialists who provide strategic solutions for financial and retirement planning, business planning, wealth transition, tax strategies, investment management, and tailored services.

The sixth of twelve children raised on a 300-acre farm in the Licking River Valley of Kentucky, Shelley’s background is rooted in family legacy, personal accountability, and service to others. She and her husband, Rich, and their children and grandchildren, remain dedicated to the Northern Kentucky region.

In November 2022, Shelley was elected to the Kentucky State Senate, representing the 24th Senatorial District of Campbell, Pendleton, and Bracken Counties, and part of Kenton County. As a State Senator, Shelley is eager to advocate for and work on behalf of the residents of her district. Shelley also volunteers with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as Vice Chair of Membership, Sponsorship and Events, as well as with the Women’s Initiative of the Chamber of Commerce Steering Committee, where she is helping to create meaningful programming for women in various career stages. Shelley is active in the Diocese of Covington, St. Mary’s Parish, the Rosie Reds philanthropic organization, Covington Business Council, and many other activities that support our region and the people who help it flourish.

Dr. Subodh Das is a globally recognized expert and serial entrepreneur in the aluminum and metals industries. He has spent 50+ years in the global aluminum industry from “mine to market” with diversified experiences: in the manufacturing sector for 25 years with industry majors such as Anaconda (J.V. bauxite and alumina refining plants in Jamaica and Ireland), Alcoa, and ARCO Aluminum (Logan Aluminum, a J.V. owned by Novelis and Tri-Arrows). He has academic expertise spanning eight years at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. He is the founder of Secat, Inc. Dr. Das currently manages Phinix, LLC, which he founded in 2008, serving the global primary, fabrication, and scrap-based secondary aluminum, magnesium, lithium, scandium, and rare earth industries. Dr. Das holds 20 U.S. patents and has published over 50 papers. Dr. Das is very active on LinkedIn, with 25,000 followers. Dr. Das’s enduring passion is to redefine and promote sustainability in the global aluminum industry, with a focus on recycling, landfill mining, and the mitigation/ utilization of bauxite residue.

Summer Dixon is the COO of MI2 and the founder of Dixon Strategies. Summer is passionate about supporting people finding success and support from leadership, structure, processes, and systems in the workplace. She has created a career by setting high standards for herself and those around her, valuing personal development, intentionally seeking new challenges and never being afraid to go first. Dixon Strategies is a vehicle to support small and mid-sized businesses in aligning operational strategy with big goals and, of course, supporting people. Summer has supported a wide range of businesses, from healthcare startups to mid-size manufacturers, since founding the firm. Prior to Dixon Strategies, Summer enjoyed a 20-year corporate career. After time in the chemical industry, she worked for Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA), a $36B lending cooperative, for 18 years. Most of her roles with FCMA were in leadership with increasing responsibility. Summer has served as Regional Vice President leading all sales and operations, Vice President of Business Systems and Processes and, eventually, Managing Director Rural 1st Operations. These roles are indicative of her ability to successfully create new multi-functional teams, lead through the creation of processes, implement systems, and exceed organizational goals. Summer is originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and has earned a BS in Agriculture, an MS in Crop and Soil Science and an MBA from Western Kentucky University. After 15 years in the Midwest, she now happily lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her teenage sons.

Since 2015, Tom Emmerich has served as the Chief Operating Officer for Schupan & Sons, a company where he has built a distinguished career spanning over 33 years. He oversees five of Schupan's key business units, primarily serving the aluminum recycling supply chain industry: Materials Trading, Industrial Recycling Services, Beverage Container Recycling, Electronics Recycling, and Sustainability Services.

A proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, Tom began his career in 1987 as the Michigan Marketing Manager for Alcoa Recycling. He joined Schupan Recycling in 1992 as the Sales and Operations Manager before being promoted to President of Schupan Recycling in 1998. His promotion to COO of Schupan has contributed significantly to the company's expanding national and international footprint.

Schupan has a strong reputation as a national leader in the nonferrous and ferrous metals recycling supply base, is the premier processor of deposit beverage containers in Michigan and Iowa and has a robust metals & plastics distribution and manufacturing business unit. With the formation of Schupan Materials Trading in 2017, the company has grown into one of the largest independently owned processors and traders of nonferrous and used beverage containers in North America. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Schupan operates 17 locations across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Kentucky, with several trading offices in the U.S. and Mexico.

Tara Amis is a dynamic leader dedicated to transforming workplaces through employee engagement, performance optimization, people development and continuous improvement. With a passion for fostering a love of learning, Tara empowers individuals and organizations to exceed their potential and set new standards of excellence in manufacturing. She is particularly passionate about manufacturing’s frontline, where she loves fostering and developing frontline employees and leaders, helping them build the skills and confidence to drive operational success. Known for her infectious positivity and ability to bring humor to challenging situations, Tara builds trust and drives results with a client-focused approach that prioritizes action and measurable outcomes.

As the Client Solutions Manager for Eastern Kentucky at the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), Tara connects manufacturers with critical resources to strengthen and grow the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Her work champions fearless leadership and sustainable growth, helping businesses implement solutions for long-term success. A committed advocate for advancing women in the industry, Tara serves on the Board of Women in Manufacturing Kentucky, where she supports initiatives to empower and elevate female professionals in the sector. Her approachable demeanor and collaborative spirit make her a trusted partner, seamlessly integrating into teams and earning respect across professional networks.

Inspired by a legacy of mentors and leaders, Tara is committed to helping others do more than they ever thought possible, living out her purpose by guiding individuals and organizations toward transformative achievements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tara enjoys spending quality time with her family, rooting for her Cincinnati Bengals, and traveling to new destinations.

Will began his career at Lexmark (now a Xerox company) in 2002 working on competitive intelligence and product strategy with a focus on security. After that he moved on to Managed Print Services in an operational role supporting and then managing global data collection and telemetrics for Lexmark's managed fleet of over one million devices. He then went on to serve within Lexmark's IT department in a global governance and compliance role, again focusing on security. Currently he manages the firmware security team within the Embedded Solutions organization at Lexmark, helping drive platform and user focused security features and compliance.

Will Cayton is a seasoned leader specializing in supply chain, project management and process improvement within the nuclear industry. Currently serving as a Senior Business Manager at BWXT Advanced Technologies, his focus has been on the development of supply chains for first-of-a-kind microreactors. Will has over two decades of experience in various operational and leadership roles across multiple BWXT divisions.

Zach Morgan is the Director of Workforce Development at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. Prior to this role, he was a workforce project manager at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, where he created the Military Hiring Academy and convened several employer-led initiatives in manufacturing and the distilling industry. Before joining the Kentucky Chamber, he was involved in workforce matters at the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, in the Governor’s office. At KCMA he helped streamline employment processes for service members, military spouses, and veterans – through consultation with government agencies, non-profits, and legislators. Zach was an Army reservist and military spouse for eight years during the Global War on Terrorism. He is a Kentucky Colonel, has a background in public relations and public history, and an MA in Military History.