Our Committees
The committees of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) are active, member-driven groups that support the mission and goals of our organization. Each committee focuses on a specific area of interest, helping drive initiatives, engagement, and impact across Kentucky. We invite all members to learn more about our committees and get involved.
Note: You must be a current KAED member to join a committee.
Ambassadors / Membership
Chair: Colby Kirk, One East Kentucky
Contact: colby@oneeastky.com
Purpose: Leads KAED’s member recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts while serving as a welcoming presence for new members. Committee members help strengthen relationships across the network, promote involvement in KAED activities, and represent the association at events throughout the state.
Education
Chair: Ray Hagerman, Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance
Contact: ray@megaky.com
Purpose: Guides content, courses, and training opportunities to help members grow their skills and careers.
Engagement
Chair: Tom West, City of Covington
Contact: twest@covingtonky.gov
Purpose: The Engagement Committee encourages all KAED members to be actively involved in the association. The committee works to create opportunities for participation across programs and initiatives, ensuring every member feels welcomed, valued, and connected.
Ethics and Bylaws
Chair: Brittaney Johnson, Big Rivers Electric Corporation
Contact: Brittaney.Johnson@bigrivers.com
Purpose: Maintains KAED’s governing documents and upholds the highest ethical standards for the association.
Executive
Chair: Kimberly Rossetti, BE NKY Growth Partnership
Contact: KRossetti@be-nky.com
Purpose: Provides leadership and strategic direction for KAED, working closely with staff to oversee operations and guide the association’s mission and priorities.
KIED
Chair: Daryl Smith, LG&E KU
Contact: Daryl.Smith@lge-ku.com
Purpose: Supports the planning, curriculum, and execution of the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development (KIED), ensuring the course provides high-value learning opportunities for participants and advances professional development across the Commonwealth.
Marketing
Chair: Danny Issacs, TVA
Contact: disaacs@tva.gov
Purpose: Supports statewide efforts to market Kentucky as a premier location for business and investment.
Nominating
Chair: Amanda Davenport, Eddyville Riverport and Inductrial Development Authority
Contact: amanda@eddyvilleriverport.com
Purpose: Oversees the nomination process for KAED leadership, ensuring strong, representative, and forward-looking leadership for the association.
Public Policy
Chair: Amanda Davenport, Eddyville Riverport and Inductrial Development Authority
Contact: amanda@eddyvilleriverport.com
Purpose: Monitors legislation, develops KAED policy priorities, and guides the association’s lobbying efforts. The committee also keeps members informed about relevant policy issues and legislative developments that impact economic development in Kentucky.
Sponsorship
Chair: Andy Games, Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation, Inc.
Contact: andy@eifky.org
Purpose: Identifies and engages sponsors to support KAED events, programs, and initiatives.