2025-2026 Officers and Executive Committee Elected
HORSE CAVE, KY – Kerry Creech, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, was elected to a two-year term as Chairman of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors yesterday at the Board’s annual meeting, which was held at the T. Marzetti Company plant in Horse Cave, Ky.
The Board elected its officers for 2025-2026 and three at-large members of its expanded executive committee.
Creech started with Toyota in 1990 as a powertrain production team member, and has served in several management positions, including overall management of vehicle manufacturing and logistics, before being named President.
“I am excited and enthused to take the helm of KAM’s outstanding Board,” Creech remarked. “I know what our board, team, and membership can accomplish, and I am looking forward to what we will do together with our many partners across Kentucky in 2025 and 2026.”
John-Mark Hack, President and CEO of The Healing Place and outgoing KAM Chairman, contributed heavily to the leadership of the Association as it expanded its membership, launched workforce development efforts, and was the voice of Kentucky’s business community in state, federal, and international courtrooms.
“2023 and 2024 have been amazing years to serve as Chair,” said Hack. “This organization has served the manufacturing community extremely well and is poised to elevate Kentucky even more on the national and global stage.”
In addition to Creech, the Board elected its other officers and executive committee members for the next two years:
- Jeremy Ballard, Toyotetsu North America, Somerset – Senior Vice Chair, Automotive, and Chair-Elect
- D.J. Lutz, Wacker Chemical, Calvert City – Vice Chair, Chemical
- Amy Wombwell, BlackBox Energy Systems and TruVolt Technologies, Owingsville – Vice Chair, Defense and Aerospace
- Frank Jemley – President and Chief Executive Officer
- Keith Hamilton, LB Manufacturing, Springfield – Secretary
- Kimberly O’Donnell, Dentons, Lexington – Treasurer
- John-Mark Hack, The Healing Place, Louisville – Immediate Past Chair
- Chris Driver, Camfil USA, Lexington – Past Chair
- Tim Capps, Par 4 Plastics, Marion – Executive Committee At-Large
- Byron Craig, Boneal, Mt. Sterling – Executive Committee At-Large
- Clarence Mingo, T. Marzetti Company, Columbus, OH & Horse Cave – Executive Committee At-Large
“It is truly an honor to be elected as senior vice chair and chair-elect,” said Ballard, who also heads KAM’s Automotive Council. “I have enjoyed serving on the board and seeing firsthand what a winning team KAM has. Kentucky is the best place to make things – especially automobiles – and I look forward to supporting all of Kentucky’s industries in this new role.”
Frank Jemley, KAM’s President and CEO, was enthusiastic about the new leadership. “KAM is devoted to helping grow opportunities for Kentuckians, and this leadership group fully embraces that mission. What an exceptional time to be part of an organization so dedicated to our Commonwealth.”
About the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Our mission at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing and the economic opportunities it creates in the Commonwealth. Learn more at KAM.us.com.
