As the statewide coalition of support leading educational efforts for local tax modernization, You Decide, Kentucky! (YDK!) is comprised of real Kentuckians with everyday concerns, hopes, and needs, and a dedicated drive to make our Commonwealth and all of her communities the best versions they can be.  They are all joined together by a recognition that the Constitution of Kentucky does not allow our General Assembly to provide our cities and counties with the tools they need to invest in our people and their communities, nor have the economic factors to keep up with the competitive standards of today.  That is why they’ve come together to lead You Decide, Kentucky! – recognizing that we Kentuckians have that power to change this system.

These leaders hail from a wide range of regions, communities, and backgrounds. Some are elected officials and advocates for local governments from across the Commonwealth. Some are leaders in the economic development community.  Others are public and private sector business leaders with a sincere desire to move Kentucky forward into a stronger future.

As the 2024 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly session marches on, (YDK!) wants to highlight our outstanding board members and thank them for their dedication. Each day these volunteers are committed to educating and galvanizing Kentuckians on the need for change in Kentucky’s local tax codes and bringing decision-making to local communities, so that our state can finally reach its full potential.

We last highlighted city and county elected officials for this series.  This week, we want to focus on members who represent local and regional economic development and business organizations.  They understand that in order for Kentucky to flourish, communities need a competitive tax environment that is both favorable to business while providing leaders with the tools to make investments best suited for local needs:

YDK! Co-Chair, Carter Hendricks

Carter M. Hendricks has served as the Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council since 2020. Prior to this role, Carter served as Hopkinsville, Kentucky’s second youngest Mayor from 2015 to 2020. Carter’s previous professional experiences also include teacher, coach, after school supervisor, grant coordinator, college instructor, and AmeriCorps member.

Carter is married to Faye Eleanor Hendricks and is the proud dad of Lily Kaye and Chase. When he is not recruiting a company or coaching track and field, he enjoys time with his family, hiking, exercising, and travel.

Candance Castlen Brake

Candance Castlen Brake is the President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. She served as a three-term City Commissioner from 2004 to 2010. Prior to holding public office, she served as Executive Vice President of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation and Deputy Judge/Executive for the Daviess County Fiscal Court.

She and her husband, Dr. Nicholas Brake, have two children and a beagle named Rosie and a calico named Daisy.

Andi Johnson

As vice president, Andi Johnson is the chief policy officer and director of regional engagement for Commerce Lexington, the city’s chamber of commerce. Prior to joining Commerce Lexington in 2013, Johnson worked for five years as the Republican Party of Kentucky as communications director and political director. She began her career in politics as a staff assistant for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell from 2003-2004.

Johnson holds a B.A. in political science from Georgetown College and an M.A. in diplomacy from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School for Diplomacy and International Commerce.

Shelby Somervell

Shelby Somervell serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications for Greater Louisville Inc. Her role includes serving as chief policy advisor to the CEO and board of directors, overseeing the GLI advocacy team, and representing GLI on all federal, state, and local legislative matters.

Prior to joining GLI, she was the Government Affairs Director for the Kentucky Society of CPAs. She also previously worked for the US House of Representatives, where she served as the Director of Economic Development for Kentucky’s sixth congressional district.