Meet Our Leadership & Board

Sam Corbett, Executive Director

A Louisville native and lifelong champion of education, Sam Corbett serves as the Kentucky Exposition Foundation’s first executive director. Sam owned and operated his family’s business, Sam Meyers, before dedicating eight years to the Jefferson County Public School Board and leading the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation as executive director from 2015–2018. He later founded SAM I AM LLC, advising organizations on business development and fundraising.

“I am a sales and marketing guy, but my passion is education. I enjoy the challenge of fundraising,” Sam says. In his role with the Foundation, he is focused on strengthening partnerships across Kentucky Venues and the Kentucky State Fair Board, championing tourism and agriculture statewide. A top early priority: leading the effort to match a $1 million grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board to establish a permanent endowment supporting youth agricultural activities at the Kentucky State Fair.

With a blend of private-sector experience, public-education leadership, and a proven fundraising track record, Sam brings the vision and momentum to help the Foundation expand its impact for Kentucky’s youth and agricultural community.

Board of Directors

  • Business professional wearing a blue suit and orange tie standing on a city street with buildings and trees in the background.

    Scott Shoenberger - Chairman

    Managing Director, 7 Bridges Capital Partners - Principal, Nevo-Ventures LLC

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    Tandy Patrick - Treasurer/Secretary

    Attorney, Co-Chair Dentons US Real Estate Practice Group, Dentons National Diversity and Inclusion Committee

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    Warren Beeler

    "Mr. KY Agriculture”, Former Executive Director of Agricultural Policy Kentucky Department of Agriculture

  • Man wearing a navy cap and jacket in front of a large industrial silo.

    Ryan Bivens

    Owner, Managing Member and Principle Operator of Fresh Start Farms & Bivens Farms LLC

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    Charlie Boyd

    Owner/Operator, Boyd Beef Cattle

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    Joe Goggin

    Regional Lending Manager, Central Kentucky Ag Credit

  • Man in a suit with glasses standing indoors, pumpkins in the background.

    David Wallace

    Chairman and CEO, Heritage Bank

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    Senator Robin Webb

    Attorney, Kentucky State Senator District 18

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    David S. Beck - Ex Offico

    President and CEO, Kentucky Venues

  • Orson Oliver

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“Kentucky is fortunate to have a foundation rooted in such a meaningful purpose. With the support of donors, they are creating opportunities for future leaders to experience unforgettable moments. There’s no doubt that their passion for enriching the lives of all people in the Commonwealth is felt and seen.”

— David S. Beck, President and CEO, Kentucky Venues