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Smothers Park
Smothers Park

Our Team

Claude Bacon President/CEO

cbacon@owensboro.com
270-926-4339

Claude Bacon serves as President and CEO. Prior to joining GOEDC in 2023, he spent more than 15 years with LinGate Hospitality in Owensboro, where he held the role of Vice President of Administration, Sales, Marketing, and E-Commerce. His career also includes leadership and professional roles at Western Kentucky University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Lindsey Wilson University.

Claude earned both his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing and his master’s degree in Communications from Western Kentucky University. He currently serves as Board Chair of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) and as a board member for Visit Owensboro. In addition to his professional work, Claude is a two-time Ironman triathlete, ultramarathoner, and a “What’s Your Ironman?” motivational speaker.

Claude and his wife, Samantha, have two daughters, Hadley and Maggie.

Brad Davis Vice President of Business Development

bdavis@owensboro.com
270-926-4339

Brad Davis, a native of Daviess County, serves as the Vice President of Business Development at the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. Prior to his time at the EDC, Brad served as the Vice President of Operations at the Murray Calloway Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). He has been involved in all aspects of the economic development process, including working with prospects, developing product, and managing projects.

Prior to working in Murray, he spent 28 years at the Purchase Area Development District, as the Director of Community and Economic Development. At the ADD, he worked with local economic development groups, elected officials, chambers of commerce, and state and federal funding agencies.

As Vice President of Business Development, Brad will be primarily responsible for building and launching our entrepreneurship efforts and reactivating the Emerging Ventures Seed Fund. Brad is very excited about returning to Owensboro and working with such a great team. He hopes to help strengthen the entrepreneurial program and improve business development in the community.

Jamie Johnson Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship

jjohnson@owensboro.com

Jamie Johnson serves as the Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship at the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. In this role, she leads initiatives to strengthen the local workforce, support small business growth, and foster entrepreneurial success. Jamie develops programs that align with the community’s needs and provides training and resources for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Prior to joining GOEDC, she was the Center Director and Business Coach at the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, where she provided coaching across eleven Western Kentucky counties. She played a crucial role in helping small businesses secure funding and worked with them to develop strategic business plans and financial projections. She was named a 2024 “Forty Under Forty” honoree by both America’s Small Business Development Center and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University. She is a Certified Business Advisor through Kent State University and holds an Entrepreneurship Center Management Certification from the International Business Innovation Association. She is actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of the Greenwell Foundation, the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, and the Owensboro Dance Theatre.

Jamie lives in Owensboro with her husband, Logan, and their two sons, Henry and Simon.

Summer Crick Aldridge Director of Marketing, Special Projects & Administrative Support

saldridge@owensboro.com 

Summer Crick Aldridge serves as the Director of Marketing, Special Projects & Administrative Support. Prior to her arrival at GOEDC, she worked as the Senior Director of Engagement at Kentucky Wesleyan College. She's also held positions at the City of Madisonville and the Green River Area Development District. She’s also the co-owner of Something Borrowed, which offers event rentals and event planning services.

Summer is a Madisonville native who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from KWC and her master’s in public administration from the University of Evansville. She was named Hopkins County’s Citizen of the Year and to their 30 Under 30 list in 2019, where she also co-founded the Hopkins County Young Professionals. She was named Staff Member of the Year at KWC in 2022 and named to Owensboro's 40 Under 40 list in 2023, and she’s a graduate of both Leadership Hopkins County and Leadership Owensboro. Summer currently serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County and is an active member of the Owensboro Chamber Young Professionals.

Summer is married to her Wesleyan Sweetheart, Kirk, and they have two pups – Mako & Rupert.

Jody Hulsey Business Coach - SBDC

jodyhulsey@uky.edu

Jody Hulsey is an author, coach, facilitator, leadership development professional, and small business owner. Jody has over 20 years of experience coaching and training in large corporations, non-profit organizations, and privately held companies. He is an Associate Certified Coach, Certified Business Advisor, Certified Professional in Talent Development, and has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership. Jody taps into his well of enthusiasm, gratitude, knowledge, and experience to help others identify and grow into the most empowering versions of themselves. He believes that leadership, done well, is one of the highest forms of community service, so he aids others in the art and science of leadership. Jody and his family reside in their hometown of Owensboro, KY. Outside of his career and serving others through involvement in various non-profit boards and committees, Jody enjoys the arts, traveling, and sports with his wife and their three children.