KFIA Celebrates Successful Annual Meeting, Announces 2027 Dates
The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) recently concluded a highly successful Annual Meeting at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown in Lexington, KY. The event welcomed approximately 300 attendees and featured 38 exhibitors, reinforcing its reputation as the premier gathering for Kentucky’s hardwood industry.
The meeting began with the John C. Smith Memorial Golf Scramble. Sixty-four participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course at the University Club of Kentucky Golf Course. That afternoon, the KFIA Board of Directors conducted association business, followed by an evening Welcome Reception that provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with exhibitors.
The next day’s program opened with remarks from KFIA President Tom DeFilippo, along with updates from Vice President Elect Kevin Tudor. The morning session featured presentations on wood utilization and rural economic development (Marcus Taylor, U.S. Forest Service), the outlook for Kentucky’s distilling industry and its reliance on White Oak (Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers Association), and current challenges in the insurance market (Mike Hancock, Houchens Insurance Group). Speakers emphasized the importance of safety practices, fire protection, and operational controls in maintaining coverage and managing costs.
Following the opening session, attendees gathered for the Kentucky Tree Farm Awards Luncheon. The luncheon featured a special presentation by Jeff Shepperd, a member of the 1996 University of Kentucky Basketball Championship team. He delivered an inspiring message about achieving his dreams, the mentors who influenced his journey, and his current role as Co-owner and financial advisor with Family Wealth Group. The luncheon also served as an opportunity to recognize individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen forestry and the wood industry across the Commonwealth.
The following people were recognized for their contributions to forestry and the association in Kentucky:
2025 Logger of the Year: Rocky May, Kimper, KY
2025 Tree Farmer of the Year: Jerry and Portia Brown, Louisville, KY
2025 Inspector of the Year: Christopher Will, Central Kentucky Forest Management, Danville, KY
2025 KFIA Spotlight Member: William “Bill” Perry, Powell Valley Millwork, for his dedication to KFIA and the Real American Hardwood program, a former KFIA Board member and current Membership Chair.
KFIA also recognized the following people for their leadership and service to the KFIA Board of Directors:
President – Charles “Chuck” Courtney II, Courtney Timber Harvesting, Greenville, KY
Vice President – Kevin Tudor, Domtar Paper Co., Mt. Sterling, KY
Secretary/Treasurer – Amy Middleton, Diamond Forest Resources, Morehead, KY
New Directors:
Steve Biggs, Quanex Custom Components, Bowling Green, KY
Paul Byler, Hart County Hardwoods, Munfordville, KY
Kevin Frye, Somerset Hardwood Flooring, Somerset, KY
Outgoing Board Members:
President – Tom DeFilippo, H & S Lumber Inc., Clay City, KY
Vice President – Chuck Courtney, Courtney Timber Harvesting, Greenville, KY
Secretary/Treasurer – Erika York, A & Y Enterprises, Marrowbone, KY
Paul Maxwell, Maxwell Brothers Lumber, Lewisport, KY
Kevin Tudor, Domtar Paper Co., Mt. Sterling, KY
Following the luncheon, as tradition continues, everyone enjoyed the Robinson Lumber Co. / Houchens Insurance Group Hospitality with fellowship and networking opportunities with fresh seafood and cocktails. The day ended with free time for attendees to enjoy the Downtown Lexington atmosphere.
The next day’s General Session opened with remarks from KFIA President Charles Courtney II. Presentations included federal policy updates (Dana Cole, Hardwood Federation), industry initiatives such as the Real American Hardwood (Dallin Brooks, NHLA), and updates on forest health, wildfire trends, and state priorities from the Kentucky Division of Forestry (Brandon Howard, State Forester) and Kentucky Department of Agriculture (Jonathan Shell, Commissioner). Additional updates highlighted current trends and opportunities in the stave markets (Andy Holloway, Independent Stave Company) and a strong commitment to building lasting relationships with landowners and suppliers. The speakers concluded with discussions about workforce development efforts through the ForestryWorks program and ongoing University of Kentucky (Chad Niman, Michael Ammerman) initiatives supporting hardwood utilization and timber infrastructure.
The meeting received many positive comments and showed real excitement for the future of the wood industry, noted event organizers.
Those in attendance gained valuable information while having time to network with others in the hardwood industry from throughout the country.
KFIA is pleased to announce that the 2027 Annual Meeting will be in Lexington, KY, at the Campbell House Inn on April 13-15, 2027.
Learn more at kfia.org.
