Les Fugate, Vice President and Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. State and Local, Canada, and Latin America for Brown-Forman Corporation, has been elected to serve as the 2026 Chair of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Fugate succeeds Kim Halbauer, Regional President of Fifth Third Bank Kentucky, whose term concluded September 30, 2025.
At Brown-Forman—one of the world’s largest and longest-standing spirits companies headquartered in Louisville—Fugate directs public policy and outreach efforts across North and Latin America. An accomplished public affairs professional, he has more than two decades of experience in business, government, and nonprofit leadership.
In addition to his service on the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce boards, Fugate is deeply involved in civic and community organizations across Kentucky. He serves on several boards and executive committees, including Leadership Kentucky and IMPETUS for a Better Louisville.
Fugate earned his bachelor’s degree from Centre College and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, where he studied government relations, communications, and fundraising. Throughout his career, Fugate has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to Kentucky’s business and civic community, most recently receiving the 2023 Esprit De Corps Award from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation Board of Directors,” said Fugate. “The Foundation plays a vital role in addressing Kentucky’s most pressing challenges—from workforce development to child care and housing—and I look forward to continuing our mission of building a stronger, more competitive Commonwealth.”
“Les’s deep understanding of policy, business, and community engagement makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Kentucky Chamber Foundation,” said Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President Beth Davisson. “His experience and vision will help guide our work to advance opportunity and growth for all Kentuckians.”
Serving on the Foundation’s Executive Committee will be:
- Past Chair: Kim Halbauer, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank Kentucky, Louisville
- Treasurer: Kelley Workman, President, Planters Bank, Hopkinsville
- Secretary: Ashli Watts, President and CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Frankfort
- Beth Davisson, Senior Vice President, Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Frankfort
Newly elected directors include:
- Shawn Daugherty, President and CEO, Citizens National Bank, Somerset
- Rolf Provan, President and CEO, Luckett & Farley, Louisville
- Debbie Zuerner, Director of Community Engagement, Owensboro Health, Owensboro
For a complete list of Kentucky Chamber Foundation Board members, visit kychamber.com/foundation.