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.

bdavis@owensboro.com
270-926-4339

sstewart@owensboro.com
270-926-4339

Skyler Stewart joined the GOEDC team in August of 2026. Prior to joining the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, Skyler served as Director of Community & Economic Development for the Green River Area Development District (GRADD), where she led regional economic and community development initiatives, secured and administered federal and state funding, and worked closely with local governments, businesses, workforce organizations, and community partners. Her professional career began at GRADD funding and administering infrastructure projects across the seven-county region before pivoting to a career in education where she taught Integrated Science and served as the Youth Service Center Coordinator at Owensboro High School. 

Skyler’s role at GOEDC includes efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline, support small business growth and expand entrepreneurial resources across Owensboro and Daviess County. She is also the lead on downtown development, responsible for programming for The Landing business incubator and continues the EDC’s partnerships with workforce development programs for the city and county. 

A lifelong member of the Greater Owensboro community, Skyler earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Kentucky Wesleyan College and her Master’s of Public Administration Degree with Certification in Local Government Administration from Western Kentucky University’s Owensboro campus. She is actively involved in local leadership and civic organizations, including the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission and Owensboro Housing Authority Board. 

elester@owensboro.com 
270-926-4339

Emily Lester joined the GOEDC team in September 2026. Prior to joining GOEDC, Emily owned and operated her own marketing and consulting business for six years. She brings more than a decade of experience in strategic marketing, digital media, content creation, and brand development.

Emily began her career in New York City with Apollo Global Management before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked in marketing and brand development. She later served as Director of Marketing and Business Development for Crosslin in Nashville, where her responsibilities included marketing strategy, communications, content development, business development, proposals, events, and branding. Throughout her career, Emily has served on nonprofit boards and worked with organizations across Western Kentucky on economic development-related initiatives.

In her role at GOEDC, Emily leads the organization’s marketing and communications efforts while supporting projects and initiatives focused on economic development in Owensboro and Daviess County.

Emily earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

Outside of work, Emily serves on her parish council at Immaculate Parish and is a board member of the Gateway Foundation. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and exploring the outdoors.