What services does the chamber provide members?

The chamber delivers advocacy representing business interests in policy discussions, information resources supporting strategic decisions, and program management services. Member benefits include access to business intelligence, networking opportunities, and customer service support. The organization works to create competitive business climate across Kentucky.

How does the organization support economic development?

The chamber promotes business creation, recruitment, and expansion across Kentucky through advocacy and programs. Staff work as catalyst and consensus builder among diverse business interests. The organization articulates vision for Kentucky economic growth while providing practical support for business retention efforts.

What is the chamber financial scope?

The organization reported $12.4 million in revenue for 2023 with $11 million in expenses. Total assets stand at $13.4 million. The chamber employs 59 staff members supported by 60 volunteers. Revenue has grown from $6.7 million in 2017 reflecting expanded membership and services.

Who leads the organization?

Ashli Watts serves as President and CEO overseeing operations. Katherine Shanks holds position of Senior Vice President for Public Affairs handling advocacy. Elizabeth Davisson serves as Senior Vice President for Foundation. The organization operates from Frankfort, Kentucky headquarters serving statewide membership.

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Inc

Frankfort, KY · Founded 1942

Statewide business association advocating for economic growth

Primary audience

Businesses

Work area

Economic Development

Topic

Business Advocacy

Contact

Ashli Watts

Website Contact

About Organization

Represents businesses across Kentucky, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and a favorable business climate. Based in Frankfort, KY, the chamber serves as the unified voice for Kentucky business, providing networking opportunities, educational programs, and legislative advocacy to support member companies and strengthen the state's economy.

What They Focus On

Legislative Advocacy

Represents business community interests in policy discussions promoting competitive environment for commerce.

Member Support

Delivers programs, information, and services providing value to businesses across Kentucky.

Economic Growth

Promotes business creation, retention, and recruitment accelerating Kentucky economic development.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$12.4M

+4.3% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$11.0M

+1.2% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$13.4M

+13.4% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

+1.7% vs 2022

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2023	$12,411,513	$11,049,507	$13,351,712	59
2022	$11,900,673	$10,920,509	$11,772,305	58
2021	$10,821,811	$8,760,841	$10,894,851	62
2020	$9,027,627	$7,376,894	$9,516,426	47
2019	$8,441,954	$7,298,543	$7,330,458	49
2018	$7,521,133	$7,455,092	$5,851,467	44
2017	$6,716,585	$6,548,581	$5,741,995	37

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Member Engagement

Organization builds relationships with businesses across Kentucky identifying common interests and priorities.
02

Consensus Building

Staff facilitate discussions among diverse members creating unified positions on business climate issues.
03

Policy Advocacy

Organization articulates member positions to policymakers promoting competitive business environment through advocacy.
04

Program Delivery

Chamber provides services and programs supporting member business operations and growth objectives.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Inc

Business Advocacy

Represents member interests in policy discussions supporting competitive business climate through legislative engagement.

Member Services

Delivers information, programs, and customer service providing substantial value to member businesses statewide.

Economic Development

Promotes business creation, recruitment, and expansion supporting economic growth across Kentucky communities.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Inc.

Contact the team Contact

Ashli Watts

President/CEO

Full-time

Compensation: $523,058

Jim Ford

Chief Resource Officer

Full-time

Compensation: $316,067

Katherine Shanks

Sr Vice President, Public Affairs

Full-time

Compensation: $234,489

Patrick Merchak

Chief Financial Officer - Term Ended

Full-time

Compensation: $213,756

Eizabeth Davisson

Sr Vice President, Foundation

Full-time

Compensation: $187,417

Jacqueline Pitts

Sr Vice President, Communications And Marketing

Full-time

Compensation: $160,266

Shawna Burton

Director Of Member Benefits And Partnerships

Full-time

Compensation: $142,152

Sarah Cathey

Sr Director, Operations

Full-time

Compensation: $131,319

Lakisha Miller

Executive Director, Workforce Center

Full-time

Compensation: $112,678

Joseph Hsu

Chief Financial Officer

Full-time

Compensation: $12,420

Milestones

1942

Organization Founded

1942

Chamber established to represent Kentucky business interests and support economic development.

1947

IRS Recognition

1947

Organization received tax-exempt status as business league under section 501(c)(6).

2017

Growth Phase

2017

Revenue reached $6.7 million with 37 employees reflecting expanding member base.

2023

Current Operations

2023

Organization operates with $12.4 million revenue and 59 staff plus 60 volunteers.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Amy Luttrell Vice Chair, Administration

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. • Louisville

Billy Spears Director

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education • Frankfort

Chad Harpole Director

Chad Harpole Century Aluminum of Kentucky • Hawesville

Cindy Wiseman Director

Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing, Inc. • Paducah

Condrad Daniels Director

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. • Louisville

Kennan Wethington Director

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky • Lexington

Kristen Byrd Director

Kristen Byrd PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. • Louisville

Stephanie Bell Director

Donovan Blackburn Pikeville Medical Center • Pikeville

Terri Bradshaw Board Member

Kentucky Association for Economic Development • Frankfort

Nick D'Andrea UPS • Louisville Crady de

Crady deGolian Suntory Global Spirits • Louisville

Mason Dyer Board Member

Association of Independent Ky. Colleges and Universities • Frankfort

Sandra Frazier Tandem Public Relations • Louisville Matt Grimshaw CHI Saint Joseph Health • Lexington Juan Gutierrez Nucor • Ghent

Sandra Frazier Tandem Public Relations • Louisville

Mark Marsh Owensboro Health • Owensboro La

John Megibben Messer Construction Company • Louisville

Jeff Noel Chris Perry Kentucky Electric Cooperatives • Louisville

Jeff Noel Cabinet for Economic Development • Frankfort

Dr. Ryan Quarles Ky. Community and Technical College System • Versailles Tony Reinhart Ford Motor Company • Louisville James Rickard WesBanco • Louisville

Ky. Community and Technical College System • Versailles

Seema Sheth Board Member

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Louisville Branch, Louisville • Louisville

John Thurman Truist • Louisville Purna Veer V-Soft Consulting • Louisville Jonathan Westbrook East and Westbrook Construction Company • Buckner

East and Westbrook Construction Company • Buckner

Bobby Clue Brent Cooper Northern Kentucky Chamber • Fort Mitchell

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce • Pikeville

Taylor Hayes Deanna Herrmann London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce • London

London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce • London

Lance Mann Interim President & CEO Greater Louisville, Inc. • Louisville

Scott Martin Northeast Chamber of Commerce • Ashland

Meredith Rozanski Board Member

Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce • Bowling Green

Adam Hancock Director 1.0 hrs/week

Adam Hinton Director 1.0 hrs/week

Amy Spiller Director 1.0 hrs/week

Anthony Houston Director 1.0 hrs/week

Arthur Walker III Director 1.0 hrs/week

Bill Mudd Director 1.0 hrs/week

Brad Smith Director 1.0 hrs/week

Brian Cromer Director 1.0 hrs/week

Calvin Barker Director 1.0 hrs/week

Candace McGraw Chair 1.0 hrs/week

Carlos Sanchez Director 1.0 hrs/week

Cathy Waddell Director 1.0 hrs/week

Donovan Blackburn Director 1.0 hrs/week

Douglas Barr Director 1.0 hrs/week

Ellen Call Director 1.0 hrs/week

Elmer Whitaker Director 1.0 hrs/week

Gerard Colman Director 1.0 hrs/week

Hollie Harris Director 1.0 hrs/week

James Rickard Director 1.0 hrs/week

Jay Richert Director 1.0 hrs/week

Jeb Duke Director 1.0 hrs/week

Jeff Borkowski Director 1.0 hrs/week

John Crockett III Vice Chair, Membership & Business Services 1.0 hrs/week

John Estus Director 1.0 hrs/week

John Phillips Director 1.0 hrs/week

Kelley Workman Treasurer 1.0 hrs/week

Kevin Shurn Director 1.0 hrs/week

Kevin Smith Immediate Past Chair 1.0 hrs/week

Kimberly Halbauer Director 1.0 hrs/week

Kimra Cole Director 1.0 hrs/week

Lajuana Wilcher Vice Chair, Public Affairs 1.0 hrs/week

Les Fugate Director 1.0 hrs/week

Mark Guilfoyle Director 1.0 hrs/week

Mark Sommer Director 1.0 hrs/week

Melissa Norman-Bork Director 1.0 hrs/week

Mike Buckentin Director 1.0 hrs/week

Nick Drea Director 1.0 hrs/week

Paige Mankovich Director 1.0 hrs/week

Patrick Coleman Director 1.0 hrs/week

Paul Costel Director 1.0 hrs/week

Purna Veer Director 1.0 hrs/week

Ray Daniels Director 1.0 hrs/week

Sarah Whitaker Director 1.0 hrs/week

Scott Davis Chair-Elect 1.0 hrs/week

Shannon Arvin Director 1.0 hrs/week

Stephen Behnke Director 1.0 hrs/week

Stephen Branscum Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing 1.0 hrs/week

Steve Merrick Director 1.0 hrs/week

Steven Lee Director 1.0 hrs/week

Tim Robinson Director 1.0 hrs/week

Tony Reinhart Director 1.0 hrs/week

Dr. Eric Monday UK Health

Ex-Officio Members Board Member

Sandra Wilson Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce • Paducah

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$2.2M

Highest Paid

$551K

Ashli Watts

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Ashli Watts	President/CEO	$523,058	$28,027	$551,085	38
Jim Ford	Chief Resource Officer	$316,067	$30,021	$346,088	38
Katherine Shanks	SR Vice President, Public Affairs	$234,489	$22,155	$256,644	38
Patrick Merchak	Chief Financial Officer - Term Ended	$213,756	$15,891	$229,647	38
Eizabeth Davisson	SR Vice President, Foundation	$187,417	$22,487	$209,904	38
Jacqueline Pitts	SR Vice President, Communications And Marketing	$160,266	$17,564	$177,830	38
Shawna Burton	Director Of Member Benefits And Partnerships	$142,152	$18,366	$160,518	38
Sarah Cathey	SR Director, Operations	$131,319	$8,825	$140,144	38
Lakisha Miller	Executive Director, Workforce Center	$112,678	$9,540	$122,218	38
Joseph Hsu	Chief Financial Officer	$12,420	—	$12,420	38

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Ashli Watts	President/CEO	$398,712	$30,198	$428,910	38
Katherine Shanks	SR Vice President, Public Affairs	$254,212	$22,011	$276,223	38
Jim Ford	Chief Resource Officer	$241,287	$25,451	$266,738	38
Patrick Merchak	Chief Financial Officer	$188,304	$14,174	$202,478	38
Eizabeth Davisson	SR Vice President, Foundation	$173,286	$21,127	$194,413	38
Jacqueline Pitts	SR Vice President, Communications And Marketing	$142,216	$16,076	$158,292	38
Jessica Moore	Senior Manager, Membership And Development	$147,762	$6,973	$154,735	38
Shawna Burton	Director Of Member Benefits And Partnerships	$129,367	$8,539	$137,906	38
Sarah Cathey	SR Director, Operations	$119,374	$938	$120,312	38

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Ashli Watts	President/CEO	$356,262	$30,860	$387,122	38
Jim Ford	Senior Vice President Of Business Education	$172,419	$21,829	$194,248	38
Kelly Wolf	Vice President Of Membership	$175,180	$13,883	$189,063	38
Patrick Merchak	Vice President Of Finance, CFO	$174,210	$14,429	$188,639	38
Katherine Shanks	Vice President, Public Affairs	$166,152	$18,828	$184,980	38
Jessica Moore	Senior Manager, Membership & Development	$163,905	$11,759	$175,664	38
Beth Davisson	Vice President Of Workforce Development	$144,881	$19,919	$164,800	38
Shawna Burton	Director Of Member Benefits & Partnerships	$133,001	$21,762	$154,763	38
Jacqueline Pitts	Senior Vice President, Communications And Marketing	$117,726	$15,015	$132,741	38

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Kelly Wolf	Vice President Of Membership	$336,401	$27,676	$364,077	38
Ashli Watts	President/CEO	$308,046	$31,155	$339,201	38
Jim Ford	Senior Vice President Of Business Education	$228,855	$24,637	$253,492	38
Patrick Merchak	Vice President Of Finance, CFO	$160,349	$11,858	$172,207	38
Katherine Shanks	Vice President, Public Affairs	$131,444	$30,836	$162,280	38
Beth Davisson	Vice President Of Workforce Development	$121,635	$15,474	$137,109	38
Hilary Morgan	Director - Marketing & Member Services (Until August 2020)	$102,387	$15,116	$117,503	38
Sarah Cathey	Director Of Operations	$107,471	$8,793	$116,264	38
Jacqueline Pitts	Director, Communications	$101,977	$8,350	$110,327	38

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
David Adkisson	President/CEO (Through 10/31/19)	$468,013	$25,762	$493,775	38
Ashli Watts	President/CEO (Began 11/1/19)	$253,580	$24,876	$278,456	38
Kelly Wolf	Vice President Of Membership	$241,925	$18,301	$260,226	38
Jim Ford	Senior Vice President Of Business Education	$195,270	$23,340	$218,610	38
Patrick Merchak	Vice President Of Finance, CFO	$148,564	$13,237	$161,801	38
Katherine Shanks	Vice President, Public Affairs	$115,446	$27,962	$143,408	38
Beth Davisson	Vice President Of Workforce Development	$111,576	$15,105	$126,681	38
Aimee Stafford	Senior Vice President Of Administration	$110,134	$5,135	$115,269	38

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$721K

Total Forgiven

$727K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

Loan Details 1 loan

$720,800

Forgiven

Forgiven: $726,784 100%

Approved Jan 22, 2021

Lender WesBanco Bank, Inc.

Jobs Reported 38

Forgiven On Nov 26, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$15K Grants Received

1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total

Baptist Healthcare System Inc

$15K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying

2 Registrations

2 Clients

Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 2 total

Chamber Of Commerce Hawaii/ Military Affairs Council

1 filing

Self

Chamber Of Commerce Of The U.s.a.

1 filing

Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Inc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(502) 695-4700

Social

Visit Website

464 Chenault Road Frankfort, KY 40601

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Inc

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Member Engagement

Consensus Building

Policy Advocacy

Program Delivery

Programs and Initiatives

Business Advocacy

Member Services

Economic Development

Team & Leadership

Ashli Watts

Jim Ford

Katherine Shanks

Patrick Merchak

Eizabeth Davisson

Jacqueline Pitts

Shawna Burton

Sarah Cathey

Lakisha Miller

Joseph Hsu

Milestones

Organization Founded

IRS Recognition

Growth Phase

Current Operations

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Loan Details 1 loan

Partners & Funders

Top Funders

Related Organizations

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

Taxable Corp Trust

Lobbying Activity

Clients 2 total

Contact

Email

Phone

Social