Southeast Kentucky Chamber Hosts Board Installation Event, Welcomes 2024-2025 Board of Directors

PIKEVILLE, KY (July 25, 2024) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the successful installation of its 2024-2025 Board of Directors. The event was held at the Garfield House in Pikeville.

The event began with a heartfelt recognition of the outgoing Chairman, Casey Lequire. Although Casey was unable to attend due to personal commitments, his contributions were honored in a letter read by Chamber President Jordan Gibson. Casey's tenure was marked by significant achievements, including financial stability, organizational fitness, and record participation in key Chamber events such as Hillbilly Days and the Patton Leadership Institute. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on the Chamber.

The highlight of the event was the installation of the new Chair, Kandi Justice. Kandi, the Chief Operating Officer for Pikeville Medical Center, has been a dedicated member of the Chamber Board since 2019.
"I am humbled and honored to serve as Chairman for the Southeast Kentucky Chamber," Kandi said in her acceptance speech. "I look forward to continuing the great work of my predecessors and working alongside our dedicated board and Chamber team to enhance the business climate in our region."

The event also recognized several outgoing directors for their service and contributions. Kathy King Allen (Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky), James Ayers (First State Bank), and Chotty Thompson (Gearheart Communications) were honored for their dedication and leadership over the past three years. Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing the Chamber's mission and supporting the business community in Southeast Kentucky.

The Chamber welcomed the new cohort of directors for 2024-2027, including:

• Kyle Collier (Addiction Recovery Care)
• Laura Damron (University of Pikeville)
• Clifton Hatfield (Pikeville Area Family YMCA)
• Whitney Justice (Childers Oil / Double Kwik)
• Mason McCoy (Mountain Metal Recyclables)
• Karen Roberts Prater (Eastern Telephone & Technologies)
• Zach Watts (Mountain Comprehensive Care Center)
• Heath Wiley (Gearheart Communications)

Additionally, Daniel Neeley (Brown Foodservice) and Bobby Tackett (Kentucky Power) were selected to fill one and two-year terms respectively.

The new officers installed for a one-year term include:

• Chair: Kandi Justice
• Chair-Elect: Robin Simpson Smith (Attorney at Law)
• Vice Chair: Mike Spears (CPA)
• Secretary: Whitney Justice (Childers Oil / Double Kwik)
• Treasurer: Lynette Schindler (CPA)

Returning board members were also acknowledged for their ongoing service and commitment to the Chamber's mission.

Jordan concluded the event with a reminder of the Chamber's mission to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration. He expressed confidence in the new board's ability to drive growth and improve the lives of those in the region.

"We are excited about the future and the great things we will accomplish together," Jordan said. "Our Chamber plays a key role in the development of Southeast Kentucky, and with the leadership of our new board, we are well-positioned for continued success."

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join in celebrating this new chapter and looks forward to another year of service and progress.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 500 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.