Southeast Kentucky Chamber Celebrates New Leadership at 2026 Board Installation

Southeast Kentucky Chamber President & CEO Tiffany Coleman, Chairwoman of the Board Karen Roberts Prater, and Immediate Past Chair Robin Simpson Smith
 

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber celebrated a new year of leadership during its 2026 Board Installation on Friday, July 31, at Brothers Wright Distilling Co. in downtown Pikeville. The annual event brought together Chamber members, business leaders and community partners to recognize outgoing leadership, welcome new members to the Board of Directors and celebrate graduates of the Chamber's Patton Leadership Institute.

The SEK Chamber recognized Robin Simpson Smith for her dedicated service as chairwoman of the board. During her tenure, Simpson Smith helped further the Chamber's mission of supporting businesses, strengthening regional partnerships and fostering economic growth throughout Southeast Kentucky.

During the ceremony, Karen Roberts Prater was officially installed as the SEK Chamber's 2026 chairwoman. Roberts Prater currently serves as director of project management and administration for Eastern Telephone & Technologies and has been an active member of the Board of Directors since 2021. Her experience, leadership and commitment to the region make her well-positioned to lead the board in the coming year.

In addition to welcoming its new board chair, the SEK Chamber recognized two current board members who were selected to serve a second three-year term: Ryan Howell with Kentucky Power and Rocco Massey with Appalachian Regional Healthcare. The SEK Chamber also welcomed six new members to its Board of Directors: Justin Crace, Big Sandy Health Care; Heather Hammond, Black Diamond Insurance; Darlene Howell, Appalachian Wireless; Brett Keene, Community Trust Bank; TJ Morrison, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky; and Melissa Williams, EKCEP.

These leaders, representing a diverse range of industries and organizations across the region, will help guide the Southeast Kentucky Chamber as it continues to advocate for businesses, strengthen regional collaboration and promote economic opportunity throughout its eight-county service area.

The evening also served as the Chamber's Patton Leadership Alumni Reception, bringing together graduates from the Patton Leadership Institute and previous Southeast Kentucky leadership programs. Alumni had the opportunity to reconnect with classmates as they were welcomed into the Chamber's growing alumni network.

"The leadership within our Chamber extends far beyond our Board of Directors," said Tiffany Coleman, president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. "Whether serving on our Board or participating in the Patton Leadership Institute, these individuals are investing in the future of Southeast Kentucky. We are grateful for Robin Simpson Smith's dedicated leadership, excited to welcome Karen Roberts Prater as our new board chair, and look forward to working alongside our returning and new board members as we continue serving our business community."

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Brothers Wright Distilling Co. for hosting this year's event and thanks everyone who attended to celebrate the leaders helping shape the future of Southeast Kentucky.

For more information about the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and its programs, visit www.sekchamber.com.
 

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Immediate Past Chair Robin Simpson Smith administering the oath of office for Chairwoman Karen Roberts Prater


Chairwoman Karen Roberts Prater administers the Oath of Office for the new members of the Board of Directors: Chair-Elect Justin Prater, Truist; Brett Keene, Community Trust Bank;
Justin Crace, Big Sandy Health Care; TJ Morrison, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky;Melissa Williams, EKCEP; Darlene Howell, Appalachian Wireless; Vice Chair Helena Jackson, HR Jackson Law Office; Heather Hammond, Black Diamond Insurance. 

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 400 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.
 
Media Contact:
Merisa Ferrell
Director of Programs & Media
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
merisa@sekchamber.com
(606) 432-5504