Four New Board Members Installed at KHS Annual Meeting
KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ELECTS NEW GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS
FRANKFORT, KY (November 12, 2024) — At the Kentucky Historical Society Annual Meeting on Friday, November 8, 2024, new members were installed on the governing board for four-year terms at the Old State Capitol in Frankfort. Elected by the KHS membership, the KHS governing board represents various regions of the commonwealth and brings a diverse range of expertise. These history ambassadors will join the current board members to further the mission and uphold the values of the KHS, fostering a community for all those who share an interest in and passion for Kentucky history. The newly elected board will officially take office on January 1, 2025.
“One of the most exciting highlights of the year is the swearing-in ceremony for our board members at Kentucky’s Old State Capitol,” stated Scott Alvey, executive director of KHS. “These individuals bring a wealth of expertise, valuable insights, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and exploring Kentucky’s rich and captivating history.”
Newly elected members serving four-year terms are:
Dr. Brian Clardy, Murray, Member – Dr. Clardy is an associate professor of History at Murray State University, having previously taught at the University of Tennessee at Martin, John A. Logan College, and Triton College in Illinois. His research interests include U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, the Vietnam War era, American presidents, and comparative world religions.
He holds leadership roles in various organizations, including Chair of the Kentucky Humanities Board, a Board Member of the Kentucky Oral History Commission, and a member of the Calloway County Democratic Party Executive Committee. Clardy was also a Board Member of the Center for Renewable Energy Research from 2009 to 2015 and served on the Murray Human Rights Commission from 2011 to 2014. He has written and published two books, including A Testament of Grace: Sermons and Reflections, and he hosts Cafe Jazz on WKMS public radio.
Dee Davis, Whitesburg, Member – Since 2001, Davis has been the founder and president of The Center for Rural Strategies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of rural policy gaps and opportunities through effective communication. Before this role, he served as the executive producer of Appalshop Films from 1982 to 2000 and was the president of Appalshop Inc. from 1978 to 1981. Throughout his career, Davis was the executive producer of several films that focused on the history and culture of Appalachia, particularly highlighting Kentucky. Additionally, he serves on the boards of directors for the following organizations: Feral Arts in Brisbane, Australia; the Fund for Innovative Television; the Institute for Work & the Economy; and the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation.
Rhonda McCorry-Smith, New Concord, Member – McCorry-Smith is committed to preserving Kentucky history, particularly African American history in Western Kentucky. Her professional experience includes supply chain management at Dover Corporation and APR Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Murray State University.
McCorry-Smith is president of the Paducah Historical Preservation Group, the Jackson Purchase Historical Society, and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. She also participates in various community organizations, including Paducah Diversity Advocacy and the National Quilt Museum's Gee’s Bend Quilts Exhibit.
Suzanne Wells Miell, Harrodsburg, Member – Miell has over thirty years of experience in global and corporate marketing, including the Coca-Cola Company. She has also consulted for major agencies like Google, IBM, and Audi, focusing on experiential marketing programs. She has led multicultural teams and has received several awards in the event industry.
As a past president of the Southeast Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association, Miell has made significant contributions to the field. She is a Distinguished Alumna of Centre College and serves on the boards of Ragged Edge Community Theater and the Centre College Alumni Association, among others. Additionally, she is the Secretary of the Lexington Bridge Club and is involved in various local organizations, including the Bourbon Woman's Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object & archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has full American Alliance of Museums accreditation.