Sam Carr | President
Sam is a native of Harrodsburg and graduated from Harrodsburg High School in 1973 and then from the University of Kentucky in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He worked at American Electric Power in Coshocton, Ohio before accepting a chemical engineering position with Louisville Gas & Electric Company in 1982. He has worked for LG&E, living in Louisville for 23 years before being transferred to the Kentucky Utilities at the EW Brown Station in Burgin in 2005. Sam retired on March 1, 2020 with a total of 37 ½ years service with sister companies LG&E and KU.
Sam is the 2015 Mercer Chamber “Pioneer Award” winner for founding and organizing the Fort Harrod Jazz Festival and continues to serve as the chair of the FHJF steering committee helping to fundraise and organize the festival, Sam has been on the Chamber of Commerce Board since 2018, currently serving as a past President.
Mike Sanford | Vice President
Mike Sanford serves as a Director for the Mercer Chamber Foundation and the Chair of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Lean to Green Program. Since 2006, Sanford has served as the Executive Director of the Lake Village Water Association and the Mercer County Sanitation District where he manages and oversees water and wastewater services to residents and businesses in Mercer and Boyle Counties. Sanford is currently the Chair of the Bluegrass Area Development District Board of Directors, which oversees many services provided to citizens and local governments in the 17 county Bluegrass region. Sanford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science from Eastern Kentucky University, as well as a Master of Public Administration degree with a Community Development concentration from Eastern Kentucky University. Sanford is a long time member of the Harrodsburg Lions Club and resides with his wife and daughter in Harrodsburg.
April Burgess | Secretary
April Burgess is a Member Services Advisor with Inter-County Energy in Danville, Kentucky. She has been employed at Inter-County for 19 years. April is currently serving as Secretary on multiple boards including, The Salvation Army and the Mercer Chamber Foundation, and is the Treasurer of Christmas Blessings, Inc. and a director of the Mercer County Community Endowment. In addition, she is active in the Kiwanis Club of Harrodsburg and is currently the Chair of the Mercer County Youth Leadership Program. April resides in Harrodsburg with her husband Rudy, and their children, Brooklin and Easton. She feels like we all have something to offer, and she is honored to give back to the community that she calls home.
Mike Inman | Treasurer
Mike Inman is a devoted husband, father of three successful adult children, a Retired US Army Veteran, and an 18-year veteran of the real estate industry.
Having closed over 500 real estate transactions in over 20 counties in Central Kentucky, Mike has served in real estate for nearly two decades. He is consistent top performer among the 4000+ agents of Bluegrass REALTORS®, and among the Coldwell Banker McMahan agents of Kentucky and Indiana.
I use my extensive knowledge of technology and the real estate market, along with my extensive sales experience, to consistently stay ahead of the competition.
Brian Staples
Brian joined the Family Wealth Group Team in November 2020. Over the past 25 years, Brian has served in the financial services industry in a number of capacities, both in private and public sectors. As a member of the leadership team, he recognizes his role is critical in the operational growth and development of every regulated business, and must provide leadership embedded with integrity and the desire for continuous learning and training.
Brian strongly believes in the power of teamwork. Being a former umpire and youth coach, his philosophy has always been:
Play Hard…give it all you got.
Have Fun…enjoy what you are doing.
Believe…believe in Jesus Christ, your family, friends, teammates, and in yourself.
If you do that with compassion and integrity, you will always win.
Jill Cutler
Jill Cutler is a dynamic professional with a rich background in community development, education, and counseling. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, she brings a wealth of experience in fostering business growth and collaboration. Additionally, Jill is the Chair at the Wilderness Trace Community Foundation. Jill serves as the Vice Chair of the 250th committee, dedicated to celebrating and preserving Mercer County’s rich heritage. Her involvement extends to the Mercer County Community Endowment, where she plays a vital role in supporting local initiatives and organizations.
Prior to her current roles, Jill contributed significantly to various organizations, including serving as the Associate Director at Harrodsburg’s Mercer County Industrial Development Authority and as the Public Relations Director at Isaiah House Ministries. Her dedication to education is evident through her roles at several private schools.
Rich Newsome
Rich Newsome has served 5 years active duty in the United States Air Force before moving to Harrodsburg, KY in 1992, as well as an additional 5 years in the Air Force Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee.
For the last 18 years, he has worked at Community Trust Bank, Inc. as a Loan Officer, where he currently manages a loan portfolio over $50,000,000.
He is currently serves as a board member for both the Mercer County Chamber Foundation and the Harrodsburg Mercer County Industrial Development Authority, as well as serving on Campbellsville University’s Board of Counselors.
His previous board memberships include the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and Danville Boyle County Chamber of Commerce. He was also Ambassador of the year for 2007.
