Emerge Speaker Bios

Jonathan Beatty Jonathan Beatty is a corporate analyst turned Social Entrepreneur from Hazard, . He graduated with honors from the Gatton College of Business and Economics with a double major in Marketing and Management. Over his college career, Jonathan was very active in Lexington, serving in a multitude of leadership positions within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants, and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. In addition, he regularly volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. After graduation, Jonathan went on to earn a M.B.A. as a Lyman T. Johnson Fellow, and later began his career as a Senior Analyst at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. After almost seven years with P&G, Jonathan left the company to pursue his dream of working in San Francisco, California where he served as a Finance Manager for McKesson Corporation and Big Heart Pet Brands. During his time in San Francisco, Jonathan was responsible for providing financial leadership for McKesson’s $3 Billion Technology segment, and developing key strategies while at Big Heart Pet Brands. Jonathan left the corporate realm and founded Servonta Strategic Philanthropy to create positive, measurable, and sustainable social change.

Shawn Burns Shawn Burns is a community-engaged businessman in Lexington. Prior to his current business consulting work, he spent several years in mega event venues with Aramark, Levy and Keeneland. His roles included Director of Purchasing, Operations and Assistant GM at Paul Brown Stadium, Keeneland and various PGA and ATP venues. Shawn currently serves on the board of Seedleaf and works to support and market the work of other food access concerned groups like GleanKY and FoodChain. He leverages his experience and contacts in food and beverage to broaden the network and knowledge of producers, purveyors, non-profits and those who work tirelessly to create a healthier, stronger and more equitable food system in the Bluegrass.

Colleen Chaney (District Director, Congressman Andy Barr) Colleen Chaney has spent her entire career in public service. Chaney brings a swath of management experience paired with political accruement to assist elected officials during their terms in office. She currently serves as the Madison County Deputy Judge/Executive where she oversees operations for one of Kentucky's largest counties. Prior to serving as Deputy Judge, Chaney served as District Director for 6th District Congressman Andy Barr during his first term in office. She has also served as an appointee for Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger, Secretary of State , and Governor . She started in career in association management with the Kentucky League of Cities. A graduate of Indiana University, Chaney has worked in Executive Management, Human Resources, Media Relations, Event Planning, Public Relations, Community Development, Campaign Management and more. She resides in Richmond, KY with her husband and two daughters, Adaleen (8) and Evaleen (5 weeks).

Jessica Crockett Jessica M. Crockett currently serves as a Staff Attorney for the Hon. Debra H. Lambert on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Prior to she worked for three years as a Prosecutor in the office of the Pulaski County Attorney and for a year and a half as a Staff Attorney for the Chief Regional Circuit Judge of the Cumberland Region, Hon. Jeffrey. T. Burdette. She is a proud graduate of Chase College of Law and Murray State University. Jessica vividly recalls attending the first Master Musicians Festival over 21 years ago and it helped shape her already existing love of music; serving on the board has been a childhood dream of hers, and she is proud to be part of the Master Musicians’ Festival’s growth over the past three years.

Allison Davis Ms. Davis graduated from the Culinary Arts program at Sullivan University’s Lexington campus in 2007 and opened Wild Thyme Cooking School & Catering in 2011. In addition to owning and operating Wild Thyme, Chef Allison is a featured correspondent, columnist and commentator on regional media outlets including television, print and radio. She has been featured in "Cooking with Paula Deen"

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Magazine as one of the Top 5 Cooking Schools in the South. Chef Allison continues to be heavily involved with local non-profit organizations and maintains her ties to the culinary program at Sullivan University. Recently, she received the Sullivan University Distinguished Alumnus Award as recognition for University alumni who have gained unique distinction through success in their professions, service to the University and contribution to their communities. Colene Elridge Colene Elridge is an internationally known Life & Success Coach who helps ordinary individuals live extraordinary lives. During her HR career, Colene decided to pursue her dream of “Being the next Oprah”. She began coaching after recognizing empowering individuals was truly her calling. She opened Be More Consulting, an agency that works with organizations on employee development and leadership, and CoachColene.com, a company that focuses on personal development, empowerment and motivation. Colene believes that we all have the potential to “Be More”. Colene has been featured in local and national print, digital and television media, highlighting her passion for success. Colene has a Bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University where she studied Cultural Anthropology, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Sullivan University. In her spare time, Colene enjoys Bikram (hot) yoga, serving various roles with the Junior League of Lexington, sweet tea with lemon, laughing and spending time with her family as much as possible.

Mary Ellen Harden Mary Ellen Harden is a native of Lexington and graduate of the with degrees in Marketing and Public Relations. She left her student internship in Corporate Communications at Lexmark International to pursue a career in the greeting card industry after discovering a small business in Versailles, KY, Wall Street Greetings, LLC. Currently, she serves as President managing accounts with Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Bank and other Fortune 500 firms. Five years ago she founded Mellen Designs, a line of social stationery, gifts and invitations. Her Magnet Card line was recognized at the 2011 National Stationery Show in New York City as a top three Trendy Award finalist.

Jeff Fugate Jeff Fugate is the President of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Fugate began his career leading teams of construction volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in the neighborhoods of Washington DC. After hanging up the hammer, Fugate continued his career in community planning and development. A graduate of the University of Kentucky Honors Program and a Gaines Fellow in the Humanities, Fugate later returned to school in Urban Planning and Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, Fugate provided consulting services to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on their regional economic development framework and in 2008, Fugate joined a community development corporation in Lowell, Massachusetts where he initiated the organization’s first LEED-certifiable project and oversaw the renovation of a historic school building into apartments. Upon returning to Lexington in the autumn of 2010, Fugate ran a $2M energy efficiency fund for MACED in Berea, Kentucky. Fugate joined the LDDA in January of 2012 where he has provided key analysis to Lexington on a myriad of issues including the Old Courthouse, 21c Museum Hotel, and the Town Branch Commons park system and bikeway. The LDDA promotes physical and economic development that maintains Downtown Lexington as the lively, thriving, and diverse heart of Central Kentucky.

Toa Green Toa received her B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She Specializes in Thai & Asian cuisine. She is the founder of Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream and Thai & Mighty Noodle Bowls. Crank & Boom placed 3rd in Lexington Herald-Leader’s Readers’ Choice Award- “Favorite Place to get Ice Cream”. Toa was featured in Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs (2014), as well as Awarded Lexington CRAVE Civic Ag Award (2014). Crank & Boom was voted runner-up for Best Sweet at Lexington CRAVE Festival (2014). Toa was Culinary Instructor at the Wholesome Chef from 2011-2012 and has had multiple appearances on local news talk shows.

Commissioner Heather French Henry (Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs) In 2014, Governor appointed Heather French Henry, former Miss America and nationally recognized veterans advocate, to serve as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of

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Veterans Affairs. Raised in Maysville, Kentucky, Heather French Henry graduated from the University Of Cincinnati with her BA of science and MA. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran Heather has been an outspoken advocate for our military veterans nationwide. During her year of service as Miss America Heather chose to highlight the needs of our nation’s homeless veterans. As her year progressed Heather developed a platform that included not only homelessness among veterans but healthcare, housing, disability and benefits. During the last 14 years Heather has continued her efforts nationwide by establishing the Heather French Foundation for Veterans, Inc. focusing on community outreach to help better educate young and old alike about programs available to assist veterans and to help increase patriotism in younger generations. She is married to Dr. Stephen Henry, and has two children.

Andrea James Andrea was born and raised in Lexington, KY and has the distinct privilege of being Lexington’s first black woman to be elected to the LFUCG city council. She served two terms before retiring and while in her seat as 1st District council, developed an interest in a variety of topics including rural conservation, urban forestry, the arts and local food and urban farming. She has continued her engagement in community by working as a consultant at Bluegrass Community Foundation with a focus on environment and healthy food acces. Andrea is married to Rodney and they have two children, Clarke and Rhoman as well as two dogs, Duncan Park and Jesi James. She is the co-host on Lextown Publications “Key Conversations” radio show.

Rodney James Born and raised in Lexington, KY, Rodney is master barber and certified barber instructor. He is the owner of two barber shops, Supreme Service and Idle Hour Barber Shop. He has been an owner of a barber school and has consulted at various schools throughout KY. He is an army veteran and a supporter of training and jobs for veterans and former felons. Through his barbershop, Rodney offers a career opportunity for all who love the field of barber and the chance to deliver excellent customer service.

Senator Alice Forgy Kerr (Senate District 12- Fayette) Alice Forgy Kerr was born and raised in Lexington, KY and is currently a Republican Senator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Senate. She began her career as a Senator in 1999. Alice got her BS/EL/ED in music at Western Kentucky University where she also received her MA in Education. She is the chair of Tourism and Labor as well as the co-chair for Economic Development and Tourism and Labor and Industry. Alice is involved with several other current legislative committees including Education, Health and Welfare and Judiciary. She is a member on the Board of Directors for Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children as well as a member of PEO Educational Sorority and United Way of the Bluegrass. Alice has two children, Carson and Jamison. She is also active in her religious community serving as a Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church

Meredith King Mrs. King joined Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) in January 2011 and serves as an SBA Microloan Officer. Her duties include administering SKED’s loan programs and providing technical assistance to business and industry throughout their 45-county service area. She has served as Treasurer for Master Musicians Festival since October 2013, and is the current President of Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance & Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY.

Ryan Koch Ryan Koch is the founder and director of Seedleaf, a community gardening organization dedicated to nourishing communities by growing, cooking, sharing, and recycling food. (See seedleaf.org for more.)

Terry McBrayer As one of the most well-known & respected law firms & government solutions offices, Terry grew his small law office in his hometown of Greenup, KY into one of the most esteemed firms in the state. Terry revolutionized lobbying in KY & around the country by creating a separate government relations section within the McBrayer law firm built on a "team approach" to lobbying. McBrayer law firm has

3 offices located in Lex, Lou, Greenup, Frankfort & Washington, D.C. McBrayer law is a strong landmark in KY that many would not have had the opportunity to experience if Terry had not taken that one person law firm & changed the face of practicing law.

Jay McChord An artist, a cheerleader, a successful business man, an entrepreneur, a community leader, a politician, an author, a marathon runner, a husband to Jennifer and father to Riley and Davis. Jay is guided by his faith and driven be his passion for igniting new ideas and seeing everyone he touches perform at their highest level. Jay has become a highly sought after speaker, trainer and consultant across numerous countries. His high energy and audience-engaging sessions are requests by organizations of all sizes.

Nathan Mick Nathan Mick is vice president of StateBook International, the first nationwide online marketplace for economic development and corporate site selection. Prior to joining StateBook, Nathan served as Garrard County, Kentucky’s first economic development director and co-founded the Bluegrass South Regional Economic Development Coalition. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, now the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Nathan has substantial experience on political campaigns and ballot issues. From 2005-2006, he served as Deputy Campaign Manager/Political Director for Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts’ campaign for U.S. Senate. Nathan has traveled to all 50 states and internationally to 44 countries, including multiple U.S. State Department delegations. He has delivered remarks on behalf of the U.S. to the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) on three occasions. Nathan earned his Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and Bachelor’s degree from Centre College. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He volunteers on numerous Boards and Councils, including The American Council of Young Political Leaders, Kentucky Humanities Council, The Center for Rural Development, and Bluegrass Tomorrow. Nathan is a native Nebraskan and is married to Maggie Mick.

Megan Moore Megan Moore is currently the Director of Training, Development and Compliance for KVC Behavioral HealthCare Kentucky, Inc. a non-profit behavioral health service provider in Kentucky. She is a current member of the Leadership Lexington Class of 2015 and is the project leader for Nourish Your Neighborhood, a project focused on partnering with local restaurants to create a way for patrons to donate money which is turned into restaurant gift cards for the restaurant and distributed to school resource centers for children and families at risk of hunger. Nourish Your Neighborhood is the vision of thirteen participants in the Leadership Lexington Class of 2015. Birthed by awareness that there are children and families in our neighborhoods who struggle to find their next meal and a personal conviction to care for others, it is our shared love of food, a commitment to local restaurants, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors that brought our group together. Nourish Your Neighborhood focuses on breaking down the barriers to accessing formal food programs by providing meals to families at restaurants in their own neighborhoods, meeting the immediate need for nourishment and encouraging them to dine together when possible.

Jane Mosbacher Morris Jane Mosbacher Morris is the Founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET | Survivor-made Goods, a social enterprise focused on the promotion of goods made by and stories told by survivors of conflict, abuse, and disease. She previously served as the Director of Humanitarian Action for the McCain Institute for International Leadership, where she managed the Institute’s anti-human trafficking program. She currently serves on the Institute's Human Trafficking Advisory Council. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism and in the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. She has also worked at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and has served as an investment consultant to Barbara Corcoran of ABC’s Shark Tank. She has traveled, spoken, and written broadly on peace and security. She regularly blogs for the Huffington Post. Mosbacher Morris has received numerous awards from the Department of State, as well as has been named one of the “Top 99 Under 33 Most

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Influential Young Professionals” by The Diplomatic Courier in 2011. She serves on the Advisory Boards of Afghanistan’s ARZU: Studio of Hope, Texas-based 360 DEGREES Vanishing, and wH20: The Journal on Gender and Water. She also serves on the Boards of Women LEAD and USA Cares. She is a proud mentor at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business’s Women Business Leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a MBA from Columbia Business School. She is proud to be married to fellow entrepreneur, Nate Morris of Kentucky.

Tish Norman Tish received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Education at Kentucky State University. She received her Master of Arts in Education at Pepperdine University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Pan African Studies at the University of Louisville. Tish has previously worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Classroom Teacher/Substitute/Educational Consultant. She currently works for National Seminars Group as a Consultant/ Professional Development Trainer and for Transforming Leaders Now, Inc. as a Keynote Speaker/Higher Educational Programming.

John Peterman Holy Cross College, BS Economics 1963 “Successful Venture”

USMCR “Successful Venture”

Professional Baseball. Pittsburg Pirates. Did not make the majors. “Failed Venture”

General Foods Corp. “Successful Venture” Didn’t like corporate life.

Started my own Advertising Business. “Failed Venture”

Castle and Cooke Foods. “Successful Venture” Still did not like corporate life.

International Spike, Jobes. Got fired after 3 years. “Failed Venture.”

Marketing Consultant. (That is what you do when you do not have a job.) “Successful Venture”

Hall’s Beer Cheese Co. Sold the business. “Successful Venture”

The J. Peterman Company. Great for 10 years, then Chap 11. “Failed Venture”

Bought back The J. Peterman Company. “Successful Venture.”

Starting a new business. Have to wait and see…

Nan Plummer LexArts President and CEO Ellen A. “Nan” Plummer brings almost 30 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience to her new role. Most recently a senior development officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Plummer served as executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center, the state’s oldest art museum, and as head of education at the Toledo Museum of Art. She was also assistant

5 director for programs at the University of Michigan Museum of Art and executive director of Artrain, a mobile museum. Plummer holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential. She earned an MA and PhD in the history of art as well as an MBA at the University of Michigan.

Kaelyn Query Born and raised in Lexington, Kaelyn has spent the better part of her working life in events, entertainment, hospitality, and tourism. From a five person dinner, to a festival with one hundred thousand in attendance - she has done it all, all over the U.S. Through festivals, fairs, concerts, and more, Kaelyn, with her company, LexEffect, works to bring those events, experiences, and travel dollars back to Central Kentucky. These productions not only support growing economic impacts on the area, they also strive to retain the young entrepreneur who might otherwise leave Lexington for a bigger city. Aside from this, Kaelyn has spent a great deal of time working with local non-profits to improve the way they do business, the way they make money, and to help them support the community in more ways than before. It is a mission of LexEffect that they strive to always use local people, places, and things – promoting and supporting Lexington/Central Kentucky and all it has to offer.

Lauren Stiller Rikleen Lauren Stiller Rikleen is a nationally recognized expert on developing a thriving, diverse and multi- generational workforce. As President of the Rikleen Institute for Strategic Leadership, Lauren conducts workshops, speaks at conferences, retreats, and professional events, and provides training programs focusing on: unconscious bias; strengthening intergenerational relationships in the workplace; and women’s leadership and advancement. Lauren is also the Executive-in-Residence at the Boston College Center for Work & Family in the Carroll School of Management. Established in 1990, the Center links academic research and corporate practice to create workplace cultures that support individual and organizational success.

Lauren is the author of You Raised Us - Now Work With Us: Millennials, Career Success, and Building Strong Workplace Teams. This widely acclaimed book provides new insights and rebuts old stereotypes about Millennials as they begin their careers in the midst of an economic crisis, and offers practical recommendations for all generations to help navigate their differences. Lauren has been invited to speak throughout the country about her insights into today’s multi-generational workplace and the impact of Millennials. Lauren is also the author of Ending the Gauntlet: Removing Barriers to Women’s Success in the Law, and Success Strategies for Women Lawyers. Lauren has authored more than 130 articles, including topical commentary and op ed pieces in major media outlets. Lauren has written for or been interviewed by such publications and media outlets as: , The Boston Globe, The New York Times, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Fortune.com, The National Law Journal, Forbes Woman, the Careerist, WBZ Radio, New England Cable News Network, The Boston Business Journal, New York Lawyer, The Glass Hammer, Legal Management, Exchange Morning Post, Women's Health, Monster's Legal Career Center, LawCrossing, the Board Room, Know Magazine, JD Journal, The Detroiter and The Public Record. Lauren is also a contributor to: Fortune.com; the Harvard Business Review Blog Network; and Cognoscenti (the blog for the Boston station of National Public Radio, WBUR).

Lauren was recently invited to join Fortune.com’s Most Powerful Women Insider Network, a section that offers business and career advice from today’s most influential thought leaders in business. Lauren brings an extraordinary background of leadership positions in professional and community organizations to her work at the Rikleen Institute. Lauren’s current leadership roles within the American Bar Association include: Member, Presidential Task Force on Gender Equity; Chair-Elect, Individual Rights & Responsibilities Section; Co-Chair, Women’s Caucus; and is a member of the Board of Editors of the ABA Journal. She also serves the American Bar Foundation as a Special Advisor to the Board of Directors and as the Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Fellows. She previously served as a member of the ABA Board of Governors, the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, and the ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. She is a former Boston Bar Association President, and a founder and past president of both MetroWest Harvest and the Women’s Independence Network.

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Lauren is a Trustee of Middlesex Savings Bank and a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. She is also a founding member of the Council for Women of Boston College. As a former law firm equity partner, Lauren managed a diverse environmental law practice, bringing her strategic and negotiating skills to her clients' enforcement and compliance problems. Lauren is also an experienced mediator. For two decades, Lauren was selected by her peers to be listed in Best Lawyers in America. She has also been included in Chambers USA America’s Leading Business Lawyers and Massachusetts Super Lawyers.

Lauren is the recipient of numerous awards. In 2011, she received the “Friend of the Division” Award from the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association for her guidance, support, and mentorship and was honored by the Boston College Law School Women’s Law Center as its Woman of the Year. Among her other honors, Lauren was a 2010 Leading Women Award recipient from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, a recipient of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2009 Women of Justice Award, the 2007 Barbara Gray Humanitarian Award from Voices Against Violence, the 2005 Lelia J. Robinson Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts, the Boston College 2004 Alumni Award for Excellence in Law, and the Boston College Law School 75th Anniversary Alumni Medal. In 1997, the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce named her Business Leader of the Year, and she was the 2001 winner of its Athena Award

Fausto Sarmiento Fausto Sarmiento is the Senior Management Consultant with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center’s Lexington area office, the Bluegrass SBDC. Fausto assists entrepreneurs and established business owners alike make informed decisions. He is a member of the KSBDC’s Million Dollar Loan Club for his ability to help his clients obtain more than $1 million in funding. Fausto’s experience revolves around the themes of leadership and business development. His specializes in the areas of risk and performance management, sales and negotiations. Fausto has been Vice President and President of the Lexington Young Professionals Association and currently sits on the Board of the North Limestone (NoLi) CDC. Fausto earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Commerce from the Patterson School at the University of Kentucky. Fausto was given the 2014 “One to Watch” award by the Lexington Forum and was named as one of the LYPA Rising Stars in 2012. He was selected as a 2008 Top 40 Under 40 Business Leader and received the Hispanic Contractors Association of Georgia’s 2008 Residential Banker of the Year Award.

Maury Sparrow LexArts Communications Director Maury Sparrow has made his career in business development, marketing, and communications across for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Sparrow joined LexArts as Communications Director in November of 2012. Prior to his role at LexArts, he was both Operations Manager and Marketing and Communications Director at Equus Run Vineyards in Midway. Early in his career, Sparrow joined Wyncom, a professional development company, in a pilot program to resuscitate a gourmet and specialty food retailer through community interaction and employee trust. He earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a BA from Transylvania University.

Stephanie Spires Stephanie Spires is a Young Professional and the Executive Director of Arbor Youth Services. Mrs. Spires’s has an M.S. in Higher Education and over ten years of experience working with foster children and nonprofit organizations. Spires is currently affiliated with numerous community organizations, serving as a board member of agencies such as; Volunteers of America, Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative, Children's Alliance, and the Lexington Public Library. Mrs. Spires and her husband, John, have also fostered over a dozen children in their home.

Daniel Stroud Graphic Artist, Entrepreneur, Director of Watershed Arts Alliance. No known nut allergies at present time.

Kim Sweazy

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Kim is an External Affairs Specialist at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown KY. In her 26 year career at TMMK she has also worked in manufacturing, Training and Development and Employee Relations.

Kim has been serving as the President of Children’s Charity of the Bluegrass since 2008, sits on the board of Project One in Louisville and on the Mitchell Family Foundation Advisory Board. She serves on the Leadership Lexington Alumni Association Steering Committee, the Fayette County Schools Community Partner Leadership Team and is a member of the Lexington Forum, chairing the Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon for the past 9 years. Kim’s other volunteer interests include USA Cares, KET, Ronald McDonald House and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

She is a graduate of Bryan Station High School, the University of Kentucky, Leadership Central Kentucky (’03) and Leadership Lexington (’11).

A originally from Lexington and a former resident of Louisville, Kim and her husband Mark now live in Frankfort.

Quint Tatro Quint Tatro is founder of Tatro Capital and an active contributor with CNBC and Fox Business. He has written for Forbes.com and is published through Prentice Hall. He has a wife and three children.

Lindsay Hughes Thurston Since graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2003, Lindsay Hughes Thurston has dedicated her career to public service. Currently, Thurston serves as the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Assistant Secretary of State. Thurston is the office’s chief operating officer, represents Secretary in all official capacities and acts on the Secretary‘s behalf at her direction or in her absence. Thurston also provides policy analysis for the Secretary. Previously, Thurston was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Kentucky, where she prosecuted child exploitation offenses under the Department of Justice’s initiative Project Safe Childhood and offenses involving drugs, firearms, bank robbery, white collar crimes, and immigration. Thurston also has served as an Assistant Fayette County Attorney, where her responsibilities included prosecuting domestic violence and driving under the influence charges. Thurston obtained her Bachelor of Arts in political science, graduating cum laude, from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Thurston and her husband, John, reside in Lexington, Kentucky.

Tanya Torp Tanya Torp is a connector, an entrepreneur, an activist and a lover of community. Currently, she serves as Program Director for Step By Step, a non-profit organization working with young moms ages 14 to 24. She lives in the East End of Lexington, KY with her husband Christian, a Civil Rights Attorney and their two precocious cats. Her awards include Urban League Individual Champion 2014, Bluegrass Alliance for Women Impact Award Winner 2013, and Community Heroes in Honor of Caesar Chavez Day 2014.

Benjamin H. Van Den Broeck Benjamin H. Van Den Broeck is a former visual effects artist for Emmy-winning Robot Chicken with a background in multimedia design and project management. His work has been featured on Cartoon Network with online content totaling over 3 million views. Ben began a 3D print service in Lexington called ArtLab Kentucky to expand the consumer & educational adoption of the technology, providing low cost equipment & materials as a retail location within the Kre8Now Makerspace. ArtLab has won the 5 Across Audience Choice Award alongside participating in Louisville's Mini-Makerfaire."

Holly Harris VonLuehrte Holly Harris VonLuehrte is a veteran Republican attorney and strategist. Most recently, she launched the gubernatorial campaign of Agriculture Commissioner and served as senior strategist and general counsel to the Comer-McDaniel ticket. Prior to joining the campaign, Ms. VonLuehrte served as chief of staff at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and managed all legal, communications and personnel issues. She led a staff of 250 employees through an audit that

8 restored integrity and accountability to the Department and successfully sued the federal government in a high-profile case that resulted in Kentucky becoming the first state in the country to have a legally sanctioned process to grow industrial hemp. Ms. VonLuehrte also served as finance chair and general counsel to the Republican Party of Kentucky and special counsel to the State Senate Majority. This past year, Ms. VonLuehrte was named one of the Top 5 Women in Business by the Lane Report, a Kentucky business publication. Ms. VonLuehrte is from a large family in Elizabethtown and currently resides in Lexington with her three year old son, Harris.

Richard Young Richard Young, raised in Lexington, KY, is a graduate of the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. Richard has served as the Executive Director of the Chamber Music Festival of Lexington, in addition to serving as a consultant to other arts and non-profit entities. In 2013, Richard was a founding board member of the North Limestone Community Development Corporation (NoLi CDC), a non-profit organization established to work on livability issues in the North Limestone Corridor. He now serves as Director of the NoLi CDC.

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