Board of Directors

Lisa Beard, President

Lisa, President of Chamber of Commerce, has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2003. She is President/CEO for Beard Insurance and Financial Services, Inc representing State Farm. She has a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She is licensed by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), a Registered Representative for Mutual Funds, licensed to sell, auto, home, life and health insurance in Kentucky and Tennessee.

She enjoys helping customers prepare for the unexpected as well as for college and retirement plans. She is involved in countless community initiatives. Lisa is married to Mike who is a part of the coaching staff and teacher for Clinton County. They have 2 children, Ryan and Alex. She spends free time running and relaxing on Dale Hollow Lake.

Nancy Mims, Director

Nancy Mims is Owner and Broker of United Country Lakes and Land Realty/Auction in Albany, Kentucky. Nancy has 32 years of experience selling Real Estate in Kentucky and Upper Tennessee. Nancy had been in property management for 24 years so now as owner and Broker she has the experience to help you thru the process of buying your dream as easy as possible.

Nancy has lived in the area for 36 years with her husband and 2 sons. They have had a dairy farm and now operate a poultry farm and raise over 1200 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. Nancy specializes not only in farmland and poultry but selling lake property, recreational property, and residential property. Nancy has worked with the public all her life and loves working with people.

Mike Davis, Director

Mike Davis is the President at Davis Insurance Group in Albany. His primary role at work is to help clients reduce their personal and business risk of financial loss. Mike grew up in Albany and enjoys his family, basketball and boating on Clinton CO’s beautiful lakes.

Mike enjoys serving the business community through his role in the Albany / Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and encourages members to reach out to him directly if he can be of assistance.

Paula Little, Director

Paula Little is the Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor of Instruction for the Clinton County School District.  An experienced grant writer and program evaluator, she has secured more than $50 million in federal, state, and private funds.  She is active in various state and community organizations.

An alumnus of the Kentucky Leadership Academy and the Kentucky Women’s Leadership Network, Dr. Little completed an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Kentucky, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Western Kentucky University, and a Doctoral Degree in Education Administration from the University of Louisville.  She is married to Rodney Little and has two children, Loren and Evan.

Al Gibson, Director

Al is a graduate of Clinton County High School and studied Journalism at Western Kentucky University. He returned to Clinton County and is now the Editor & Publisher at the Clinton County News, a weekly newspaper owned by his family.  Al is married to Janie Upchurch, who also works at the newspaper, along with the their oldest son, Brett Gibson, Their youngest son, Joe Gibson lives in Bowling Green.

Al is a charter member of the Chamber, serving on the first board of directors and assisting with creating bylaws for the organization. He is heavily involved in the community including the Tourism Commission, Clinton Co. Community Foundation, and Trooper Island Camp.  He volunteers as announcer for the Clinton Co. High School varsity Lady Bulldogs and Bulldogs.  He enjoys boating, staying at the family lake cabin, and raising boxers.

Willard Johnson, Director

Willard Johnson is the President & CEO of Monticello Banking Company. He is a graduate of University of Colorado School of Banking. He currently services on the Board of Directors for the Albany / Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and is active in the community.

He is married to Sherry Johnson and the couple enjoy all the beauty that Clinton County has to offer.

Barney Latham, Treasurer

Barney Latham has been serving the local community in his role at First and Farmers National Bank for almost 30 years. He is active in the Albany / Clinton County Community.

Barney currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Albany / Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Gibson, Vice President

Kim Gibson, the newest addition to the Board of Directors for the Albany / Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

Kim was nominated and unanimously elected to Vice President of the Chamber at the July 25, 2019 meeting.

As a WIOA Career Manager, Kimberly is responsible for the youth, adult and dislocated workers programs in Clinton County.  She provides services such as career counseling, job search, and re-training.  Kim resides in Clinton County, is married to Jeff and has one child, Brett.

Keith McWhorter, Director

Keith is a 1963 graduate of Clinton County High School and received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Master of Public Service from Western Kentucky University.

He retired with over 30 years experience from the KY Department of Social Services and from the US Army Reserve as a Command Sergeant Major with 34 years of service. He currently volunteers with International Commission as a Project Coordinator, leading mission projects to Russia, India, Brazil and Thailand.

Jim Soma, Director

Jim Soma, born in Africa raised in England, moved to Clinton County, KY in 1984. Jim is a well known business man in Albany, designing and operating Baymont Inn and Royal Inn. Jim designed the Welcome Center which houses Clinton County Industrial Development Authority and Chamber & Tourism offices.

Before managing hotels, Jim was an engineer. Jim has been married to Kay Soma for 37 years, they have two sons and two grandchildren. Jim served as President of the Chamber for 3 terms, Vice President of the Tourism Commission for 3 years, and  served on the Industrial Development Authority for 15 years. Jim has been a 21st century soccer coach for 14 years. He is an advocate of development & promotion of Clinton County. Jim is fluent in 5 different languages.

Rick Mercader, Director

Rick is a 1974 graduate of Clinton County High School. He received his Associates Degree in Computer Science from Somerset Community College in 1999. He has served as a board member of Lake Cumberland Area Development District and served as President of the Albany / Clinton Chamber for three terms.

Rick was employed with Fruit of the Loom for 10 years, and Grider Hill Marina for 15 years. He is currently employed  at the Clinton County Board of Education, the Clinton County Industrial Authority and Marina @ Rowena.