20 Under Forty – 2024

Photos by: Jamie Plain

The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is excited to shine a light on the young professionals in our community with our 2nd Annual 20 Under 40 group.  Their dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence are truly admirable. We are thrilled to see them recognized for their remarkable achievements and look forward to the impact they will have on our community and beyond as they continue to make a difference. By highlighting the success of these professionals under 40, we hope to inspire future generations and demonstrate that the possibilities in the Henderson County region are limitless.

Brittany Stone, 38

Vice President – Commercial Loan Officer, Field and Main Bank

Born and raised in Henderson, she learned the values of loyalty, integrity and generosity early on. These principles have guided her life and career, inspiring her to give back. 

With a focus on creating meaningful impact, Brittany is committed to serving her community-whether through local initiatives, supporting small businesses or volunteering with organizations that uplift others.  

Brittany started her career with Field and Main Bank in 2005 and currently holds the position of Commercial Loan Officer.  She is a board member of Henderson County Senior Center and committee member of Habitat for Humanity. Her and her husband Zack have two children, Cruze and Cade.

Brianna Cessna, 27

HR Officer/Executive Assistant, Field and Main Bank

Brianna Cessna, a Henderson native, has crafted a wonderful life and career in her beloved hometown. She married her high school sweetheart, Justin, and together they are the parents of two adorable children, Jace (10) and Mia(4).

Brianna started at Henderson Community College, where she earned an Associate of Art Degree in May 2016. She then went on to continue her education the University of Southern Indiana, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in May 2018. 

In January 2018, Brianna started as a part-time Relationship Banker and has worked her way up to her current role as Executive Assistant & HR Officer. Her career progression at the bank showcases her dedication and professional growth.

She is a proud member of the Henderson Leadership Initiative Class of 2022. She has served as the Henderson Rotary Club Treasurer since 2022 and was honored as the Rotarian of the Year in 2023. One of her favorite Rotary projects in the annual Elementary Rotary Field Day competition which she has helped organize the past two years. Additionally, Brianna generously gives her time as a board member of the Henderson KY Education Foundation and has served for two years on their marketing committee.

Her love for community extends to her passion for sports, where she actively participates as a board member and club treasurer of the Henderson Tennis Club and is the bookkeeper/administrative organizer of her son’s Elite Baseball Team. 

Brianna’s life is a beautiful blend of family, career, and community service, reflecting her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in everything she does.

Quinn Thomas, 29

General Manager/Co-Owner, Rookies

Megan McCarnan Whitledge, 37

Insurance Agent, Field & Main Insurance 

Megan McCarnan Whitledge is an insurance sales producer specializing in commercial lines with a passion for community and volunteering. Loves meeting new people and is always up for a fun adventure or traveling! Enjoys time with family and friends, soaking up the sun, and taking in the lake and beach life. Delights in all things Christmas and decorating for all the holidays. A knack for fashion, shopping, and building connections. “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark.”-Jay Danzie

Emma Bridges, 32

Principal, Holy Name School

Lindsay Forrester, 35

Insurance Producer, Anne Thrasher Boyd State Farm

With almost 10 years of experience with Anne’s agency, Lindsay has become a highly trusted advisor for individuals and small business owners alike. Known for her passion, expertise, and dedication, she takes pride in helping others protect what matters most.

“What we do truly impacts people in their day to day lives. I take what I do every day personally, so you’ll get my best because that’s what you deserve.” 

An active member of the community, Lindsay is actively involved with the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival, helping raise funds for local non-profits, and is a member of Networking Success Partners, whose mission is to help support small business in Henderson.

In her spare time, you will find her supporting a Henderson County athletic team with her husband, Kyle, and son, Colby.

Dr. Chad Phillips, 34

Dean of Student Affairs and Registrar, Henderson Community College

Meredith Powell, 37

Co-Owner & Head Distiller, Rhythm River Distillery , Environmental Specialist, Southern Star Central, Gas Pipeline

Meredith Powell is the proud co-founder of Rhythm River Distillery, where she will serve as the Head Distiller, an esteemed role underrepresented by females in the industry. She also is an Environmental Specialist at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline where she serves on industry and internal committees to further inclusion of all employees.

She is active in the Henderson community where she serves on multiple non-profit boards, including the Henderson Tourist Commission, Henderson Community College Foundation Board, and the Lions Club.

Notably, Meredith received the inaugural Emerging Female Leader award by the Chamber of Commerce in 2023.  Other recognitions include being an HLI fellow and a Kentucky Colonel. 

Meredith Powell is the proud co-founder of Rhythm River Distillery, where she will serve as the Head Distiller, an esteemed role underrepresented by females in the industry. She also is an Environmental Specialist at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline where she serves on industry and internal committees to further inclusion of all employees.

She is active in the Henderson community where she serves on multiple non-profit boards, including the Henderson Tourist Commission, Henderson Community College Foundation Board, and the Lions Club.

Notably, Meredith received the inaugural Emerging Female Leader award by the Chamber of Commerce in 2023.  Other recognitions include being an HLI fellow and a Kentucky Colonel. 

She enjoys spending her time with her husband, Andrew, and their son, Stone.She enjoys spending her time with her husband, Andrew, and their son, Stone.

Hattie Hancock, 23

Business Owner/Store manager, ELITE Downtown, ELITE Screen Printing, ELITE Downtown Bridal

Kelly Douglas, 26

Insurance Agent, Kentucky Farm Bureau, James Runion

Kelly McIndoo Douglas is a life-long Henderson County resident. She graduated from Murray State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, where she served as student body Vice President. After graduation she started her career with Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance at the Henderson County Zion Road Office. She takes pride in providing great service and products to her clients. Kelly is currently serving as President of the Henderson County FFA Alumni, Board Member at Elevate and President-Elect on the Hutson School of Agriculture Alumni Board. She is a proud Henderson Leadership Initiative Fellow and Henderson Chamber Ambassador. In her free time, you will find Kelly spending time outdoors or with her family & friends. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Mason Douglas.

If you’re looking for a local insurance agent that you can trust, Kelly is the agent for you! Reach out to her today for an insurance review!­­

Riley Hamilton, 30

Marketing and Recruitment Specialist, Audubon Metals

Audubon Metals is proud to recognize what truly makes us exceptional—our dedicated team members. We’re thrilled to congratulate Henderson native Riley Hamilton on being named one of the 20 Under 40 honorees. Riley, our Marketing & Recruitment Specialist, embodies Audubon Metals’ core values of integrity, teamwork, and commitment to community. Her energy is contagious and fosters an atmosphere of genuine enthusiasm within our company.

Her dedication extends beyond the workplace, serving on multiple boards in Henderson County, including the United Way Board, the Junior Achievement Action Board, and as a proud member of the Rotary Club. Riley’s active involvement with marketing and nonprofit committees around Henderson is a testament to her commitment to giving back. She’s also an HLI Fellow, demonstrating her dedication to leadership and continuous growth.

A graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, Riley currently lives in Henderson with her husband, Ben, their daughter, Charlotte, and their two beloved dogs. Congratulations, Riley, for exemplifying the values we hold dear at Audubon Metals and for your outstanding impact in our community.

Conner Mattingly, 32

Assistant Principal, Henderson County high School

Desiré Smith, 36

Paralegal, Vowels Law PLC

Desiré Smith, a Certified Paralegal at Vowels Law PLC in Henderson, Kentucky, began her career in 2012. She has experience in veterans’ compensation, litigation, federal black lung claims, family law, expungements, and estate planning. Desiré graduated cum laude with an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business. She chairs the Continuing Education Council for NALA – The Paralegal Association and as Editor of the legal digest “Facts & Findings.” Desiré’s volunteer service includes service as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, at local schools, and with One Life Henderson as a team leader on their First Impressions Team.

Desiré Smith, a Certified Paralegal at Vowels Law PLC in Henderson, Kentucky, began her career in 2012. She has experience in veterans’ compensation, litigation, federal black lung claims, family law, expungements, and estate planning. Desiré graduated cum laude with an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business. She chairs the Continuing Education Council for NALA – The Paralegal Association and as Editor of the legal digest “Facts & Findings.” Desiré’s volunteer service includes service as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, at local schools, and with One Life Henderson as a team leader on their First Impressions Team.

Madison Krampe, 27

Marketing, Henderson Chamber of Commerce

A proud Henderson native and Murray State graduate, Madison Krampe serves as the Director of Marketing and Membership for the Chamber of Commerce in Henderson, Kentucky. With a passion for connecting people and helping businesses thrive, Madison brings attention to the valuable opportunities the Chamber provides, driving awareness and growth within the community. Whether welcoming new members or supporting established ones, she is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, collaborative business environment that empowers local success and builds lasting relationships.

Danielle Ervin, 33

Co-Owner Cap & Cork

Megan Rabe, 33

Mortgage Originator, Independence Bank

Independence Bank is proud to recognize what makes our Bank revolutionary: our employees. Congratulations to Henderson native Megan Rabe for being named among the 20 Under 40 honorees.

Rabe, is a dedicated mortgage lender at Independence Bank. She also serves as a Chamber Ambassador, is an active Rotaract member, and contributes to the Downtown Partnership Committee. Outside of work, Megan devotes her time to local events like Relay for Life, Terror on the Trail, and Bluegrass in the Park. A proud wife and mom of two boys, she embodies a deep commitment to her family and community.

This years recipient is one of the approximately 415 employees working to make a difference in the community they live. Banking is always, and forever, about People. About YOU. We’re Independence Bank. We’re Here For Good.

Kenzie Gentry, 28

Owner/Barber,  K.T.’s Barbershop

Kenzie graduated barber college in 2017 and has now owned and operated K.T.’s as a barber/stylist for 3 and a half years in downtown Henderson. 

She is proud to be a part of the most amazing and supportive community. The clients play the biggest role in the shop’s success, and Kenzie adores each and every person that comes in and out of the shop doors. There isn’t a day she doesn’t want to be at her shop with her clients. 

Kenzie stated, “If there’s one thing people pray for, it’s for being able to leave people a little better than you found them, and as a barber/stylist, we offer that. Our haircuts and styles are customized to each individual’s vision and dream, and at K.T.‘s, we help that vision and dream come to life.”

There are many difficulties in being a young female entrepreneur, but Henderson and its community greeted the shop with open arms and offered help, guidance and support Kenzie couldn’t possibly have imagined. She’s had the support of family and friends, and she looks forward to many, many years being a part of the growth of beautiful downtown Henderson, KY!

Zeb Hargis, 37

District Manager, Republic National Distributing Co., Vice President/Co-Owner, Silk Velvet Whiskey

Zeb Hargis is the District Manager for Republic National Distributing Company. The Henderson native also holds the title of Vice President/Co-Owner of Silk Velvet Whiskey, a historic Henderson brand he is reviving with his brother, Zach, and father, Mark. 

As a local musician for Kings Highway, Zeb is also an active member of the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival. Notably, Hargis is also a Kentucky Colonel and holds the title of District Manager of the Year two years running. The University of Southern Indiana graduate, and his wife Kelsey, both enjoy being a part of the Henderson community. Congratulations to Zeb for his well-deserved spot in the 20 Under 40 honorees!

Cooper Beck, 20

Founder/Board Chair, Henderson Pride Inc.

Kate Pride, 24

Communications Director, Kentucky Corn Growers Association

Kate Pride is the Communications Director for the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association, where she strives to strengthen market opportunities for farmers. Her work includes leading consumer awareness campaigns, sharing research initiatives, advocating for strong agricultural markets, and highlighting farmers’ experiences. Growing up on a row crop farm sparked her passion for agriculture, which she pursued further at Auburn University, earning a degree in Agricultural Communications.

Previously, she served as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Henderson Economic Development, focusing on workforce development and business attraction. Outside of work, Kate enjoys tending to her greenhouse, spending time with her dogs—Maggie, Remi, and Biscuit—and visiting with family. She also volunteers as a social media coordinator for the Henderson Church of Christ, serves as a Chamber Ambassador, and is actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson.