Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith

Vice President Kentucky Bourbon Affairs, Beam Suntory

As a 32-year veteran of Kentucky’s bourbon industry, Kevin Smith recognizes and appreciates the vision Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s leadership has for both the college and the region.

“The ECTC Foundation can only help the college prepare for the future, and make it one of the best KCTCS campuses in the commonwealth,” Smith said.

Smith is vice president of Kentucky bourbon affairs at Beam Suntory in Clermont, Ky., working with state, local and civic leaders on behalf of Beam Suntory. He previously worked as director of operations/plant manager for Jim Beam and vice president/master distiller for Maker’s Mark, where he developed Maker’s 46.

“ECTC builds the next generation of talent and contributors to our community,” Smith said. “It promotes and develops skilled talent, thus driving the workforce toward sustainability and growth. This is even more essential now as we see the manufacturing industry continue to expand in our region.”

Smith’s board involvement includes incoming chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center; current chair of the Kentucky Distillers Association, chair of the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board; chair of the Japan American Society of Kentucky; and service to Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center; Bethany Haven; Bardstown Industrial Development Corporation; Greater Louisville Inc. Board; and University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.

“As we look to the future, the ECTC Foundation will assist in a purposeful way to ensure the college is strategically focused on the economic needs of the region,” Smith said. “It will build on its success to meet the increased workforce needs of the area.”

Smith lives in Bardstown with his wife, Gretchen.