At the 2nd Annual Kentucky Young Professionals Summit on July 25, the Kentucky Chamber announced Brandon Pennington, Executive Director of Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission, as the Chamber’s 2025 Young Professional of the Year award recipient.
The Kentucky Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year Award was created to recognize leadership, innovation, and service in an individual’s career and community.
“I am deeply honored to be named the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Kentucky Chamber. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible mentors, colleagues, and community members who have encouraged and supported me throughout my journey. It is truly a privilege to have been considered among such an exceptional group of finalists, whose caliber of excellence and dedication to their communities inspire me greatly. I am grateful for this recognition and remain committed to continuing the work of building opportunity, fostering growth, and championing the spirit of resilience that makes Harlan County—and all of Kentucky—such a special place to call home,” Pennington said.
A Harlan County native, Pennington returned to his hometown at age 22 to lead its tourism efforts during a critical economic transition. Over the past 14 years, he has transformed Harlan into a standout destination for adventure tourism, doubling the local tourism budget and launching more than 30 annual events that generate tens of millions in economic impact.
Under his leadership, Harlan’s tourism industry has become a national model for rural revitalization. Pennington oversees a team of 10 and manages operations at the Historic Harlan Museum and The Harlan Center. He has received over 40 Traverse Awards for his marketing efforts and is currently chairman of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, leading the state’s largest tourism association.
Beyond tourism, Pennington plays an active role in his community, serving as president of the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce and on boards supporting youth, education, and economic development in Appalachia. He also helped secure $75 million in federal relief funding and shaped significant legislative efforts to grow creative industries in the Commonwealth.
“The Young Professional of the Year award recognizes rising leaders who are making a real impact in their communities and across the Commonwealth. Brandon Pennington exemplifies that spirit through his innovation, commitment, and leadership in transforming Harlan’s economy through tourism. His work is not only helping to revitalize Eastern Kentucky—it’s setting an example for what’s possible when young professionals step up to lead,” said Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber.
Following the nominations for the Kentucky Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year Award in May, finalists were selected to compete in a social media contest to determine the winner of this first-ever award.
All of the contest finalists were recognized during the 2nd Annual Kentucky Young Professionals Summit, which includes Shermiah Holland, Chief Information Officer and Co-founder of EnVue Health; Amanda Owen, Founder and Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces; LaDaya Owens, Human Resources Business Partner of Home of the Innocents; Casey Todd, Owner and Restaurateur of Hometown Hospitality; and Adryanne Warren, Superintendent of LaRue County Schools.
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