Michael Meredith, Board Chair

Michael is the Associate General Counsel at Marquette Transportation Company.  He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2012 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2015.  He grew up in Paducah and, after practicing Patent and Trademark law for two years in Lexington, KY, moved back in 2017.  Michael and his wife, Lydia, have three children.

Mason DeJarnett, Vice Chair / Treasurer
Mason is a Ballard County native and Paducah resident for almost 20 years. He is a graduate of WKCTC and Mid Continent University. He's approaching his 12th year as a territory manager for Fabick Caterpillar, previously working for eight years as sales manager at Mike Smith Toyota. Mason has served on numerous boards in our community through the years, most related to the health and well-being of children. He is a graduate of the Delta Leadership Institute and the Paducah Police Citizens Academy, and holds a certificate from Harvard University Kennedy School of Politics in effective leadership. 

Amina Watkins, Secretary
Amina is a dedicated professional with a strong background in organizational development and management. With experience in various roles, including Group Travel Sales Manager and Assistant General Manager, she has demonstrated her ability to deliver exceptional results and maintain high standards of integrity and service. What truly sets Amina apart is her commitment to community work. She actively volunteers and engages in various community organizations, such as the NAACP, United Way of Western Kentucky, and the Paducah Diversity Advocacy Board, where she is a founding member. Amina's involvement in the community includes mentoring, facilitating diversity workshops, and a community liaison to the city. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Amina is a graduate of Reidland High School in Paducah. She also attended Murray State University, where she studied CRJ (Criminal Justice) and Vocal Music. Amina's passion for making a positive impact in her community, combined with her strong organizational skills, make her a valuable asset in implementing programs within community-based organizations.

Penrod Cappock, Director
Penrod is a Paducah native and manages several properties in our community.  He is an active member of several boards and joined the Police Foundation in 2019 after helping with several former fundraisers.  

Leigh Ann Ballegeer, Director
Leigh Ann is the Director of Community Health at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital and a Paducah native. Her recent board and non-profit experience includes the United Way of Western Kentucky, Family Service Society, Charity League of Paducah, Easterseals West Kentucky, and Paducah Young Professionals. She’s a graduate of Leadership Paducah. Leigh Ann and her husband Paul have two children.

​Phillip Hudson, Director

Phillip graduated from Murray State with a BS in Non-Profit Leadership. He works at Paducah Bank and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance at Murray State as well. He serves as the Chapter President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Xi Lambda Chapter, which prides itself on being of service to Paducah/McCracken County and surrounding communities. He also serves in the music department at Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church. 

David Riley, Director
David is an attorney at Bradley, Freed & Grumley, P.S.C., where he primarily practices in the area of civil defense litigation. He’s a native of western Kentucky and became involved in the Foundation in 2019 after getting to know several officers participating in Leadership Paducah.

Garrett Rackley, Director
Garrett is a partner at Williams, Williams, & Lentz, LLP and has practiced accounting in Paducah since 2015. He specializes in audit and attestation services for businesses, financial institutions, nonprofits, and employee benefit plans. Garrett is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is an alumnus of Leadership Paducah, a member of Church 0419 and has previously served as a board member and treasurer of multiple non-profits in Paducah, including Family Service Society and the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club. Garrett enjoys golf, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife and two daughters.

Zack Smith, Director

Zack is a Financial Advisor with The Housman Group at Baird’s Paducah office. With more than 14 years of experience in wealth management, he is dedicated to helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions that align with their goals, preserve the wealth they have built, and provide confidence for the future. Zack earned a Bachelor of Science in Business with concentrations in Finance and Financial Planning from Murray State University. He is passionate about serving the Paducah community and actively supports local organizations, including Paducah Day Nursery and West Kentucky Crime Stoppers. He is also a graduate of Leadership Paducah Class #36. Zack and his wife Linda are proud parents of their daughter, Leighton, and enjoy being actively involved in their community and family life.

Warner Wheat, Director

Warner is a partner with the law firm of McMurry & Livingston where he represents clients in the areas of family law and general civil litigation matters. Warner graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2004. After Vanderbilt he attended the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville where he graduated cum laude in 2008. Warner moved to Paducah in 2016. Warner and his wife, Caroline, have three children. 

2026-2027 Board

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