Ambassador Program

This popular committee consists of volunteers of member companies that represent Commerce Lexington by helping to educate members on benefits, programs, and events, as well as serve as a liaison between Commerce Lexington and its membership. Ambassadors also represent Commerce Lexington at a variety of events, from ribbon cuttings and grand openings to networking functions and open houses. To find out more about this committee or how to apply, contact Kristie Woodrum.

PRESENTING PARTNER:

2026 AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE:
David Baumgartner, Tresane, LLC
Debbie Cain, Bluegrass Builders and Remodel
Alicia Cox, Stock Yards Bank
Brandy Drakeford, BACK Construction
Vicki Evans, TOPS Marketing
Justin Ferrarella, Lexington Legends
Braeden Finch, Field & Main Bank
Caroline Francis, University of Kentucky
Charity Gilbert, Christian Appalachian Project
Art Hubbard, Hubbard Mechanical
Kristie Jones, Commonwealth Credit Union
Paige Mazzoni, Servpro
Trey McCallie, Realty One Group Bluegrass
Josh McCurn, Haymaker Company
Laura Mobley-Corn, Express Employment Professionals
Jeff Morrett, Parsons & Howard Insurance Group
Jennifer Neal, Lamar Advertising
Crystal Newton, 46Solutions
Dan Noel, Men In Kilts Lexington (2026 Committee Chair)
Sam Overbee, Old National Bank
Jessica Pfister, Human Interest
Alisa Rose, Nimlok Kentucky
Rob Ruddick, Independence Bank
Trey Schadt, Anderson & Rodgers Const.
Regina Schmutte, RSR Benefits
Bob Stamper, ISAFE Complete
Ginger Stein, Churchill McGee LLP
Hunter Stewart, South Central Bank
Mike Sypolt, LW Office Furniture Warehouse
Kelly Webb, Colonial Life

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Braeden Finch, Field & Main Bank

NMLS #1853305

Braeden Finch, MBA, has been in the banking industry since 2015 and joined Field & Main Bank in 2021. As a mortgage loan officer, his responsibilities consist of mortgage lending for many different facets on both the residential and commercial sides. He said, “I work on cultivating relationships and providing excellent client care and service which to me perfectly describes being a loan officer at a community bank.”
With branches in Henderson, Lexington, and Cynthiana in Kentucky, as well as Evansville, Indiana, Field & Main Bank extends civic and economic resources to those who need it and to the communities that it serves.
Braeden said, “As a native Lexingtonian, it is important for me to be involved with Commerce Lexington because I love this city and town. I want to see Lexington thrive, and Commerce Lexington is a great place to volunteer my time to help with that. I love the beauty and culture of Lexington. It’s a great place to raise a family, enjoy a great meal, in addition to the beautiful landscape that are the rolling hills, the University of Kentucky and a growing downtown.”
As an ambassador, he said he enjoys being able to meet local business owners and workers at every event he attends. “Being an ambassador has taught me to really understand how each and every business runs/operates,” Braeden said. “I enjoy seeing if I can help a business in any way.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Nicole Corbin, Davis H. Elliot Company

As the marketing and external affairs manager, Nicole Corbin oversees key areas such as branding, events, and external affairs for Davis H. Elliot Company, a national provider of engineering, energy delivery, technical services, commercial and residential services, and technology solutions to a variety of utilities, partners, and industries. The company is headquartered in Lexington and is 100-percent employee-owned.
Nicole said, “I’m passionate about building brand awareness, planning impactful events, and fostering strong community engagement. At Elliot, I have the opportunity to wear many hats—all while upholding the excellence of the Elliot brand and its Family of Brands in the communities where our employee-owners live and work.”
Nicole said that being involved in Commerce Lexington is important because of its valuable networking opportunities. “I enjoy building new relationships, learning about others and their businesses, and helping facilitate meaningful connections within the community.” One of her favorite programs was Leadership Central Kentucky, during which she developed meaningful professional and personal relationships that continue to this day.
She is also very involved in the community, serving as president of the Meeting Professionals International - Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter and special events committee member for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Paige Mazzoni, Servpro of North & South Lexington

Paige Mazzoni has been with Servpro for nearly two years, covering marketing in the Central Kentucky area and creating relationships with local companies and anyone in the property world. Servpro is a local restoration company that handles water, fire, mold, and storm damages, along with biohazard and cleaning needs in any residential or commercial property.
With a background in the real estate industry, Paige became a licensed real estate agent for a few years and later worked as a wedding planner with a local venue. She said, “I have always loved working with events and marketing, which is a huge part of my job. I enjoy working with residential properties and helping families, whether that was helping them buy their first home, or currently helping them with a flooded basement or fire damage.”
Paige added, “Commerce Lexington is incredibly important because it enables our company to be involved in Lexington at a much deeper level. Even though we are a large company, we are still local to the area and love being plugged in with the community.”
A native of Louisville, Paige moved to Lexington ten years ago to attend the University of Kentucky. “I refer to it as my favorite little big town, because it offers so many opportunities while still giving the small town vibe. I love running into people every day while I'm out and about.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Alicia Cox, Stock Yards Bank & Trust

As a Private Banking Relationship Manager at Stock Yards Bank and Trust, Alicia Cox specializes in offering a white glove service to professional service providers, doctors, lawyers, dentists and business owners for all their banking and business financial needs. Alicia said, “I love getting to know my clients and building a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Whether buying their first home or acquiring a new business, I can help them make that dream a reality.”
Stock Yards Private Banking is more than just checking and savings accts. The bank assists clients with mortgages, business acquisitions and equipment loans, with all decisions being made locally.
A University of Kentucky graduate, Alicia was born in New York and was raised here in Lexington, and also spent time in Chicago and Los Angeles. However, she considers herself a Kentucky girl at heart. She has now been in banking for over 13 years. She added, “Helping clients build their wealth and portfolio is a passion.”
“It’s been a thrill to serve as an Ambassador for my second year,” said Alicia. “I have loved getting to know so many new people and the many ribbon cuttings that we attend. I truly enjoy meeting newcomers and welcoming them to our beautiful city and all that it has to offer.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Art Hubbard, Hubbard Mechanical

Art Hubbard is founder and owner of Hubbard Mechanical, which provides its clients with installation, service, and repair for all heating and cooling, boiler, and plumbing needs. He is personally licensed/ certified to work in the HVAC, plumbing, boiler, electrical, and refrigeration industries. He said his love for the trades started early when he was helping his dad at age seven to spend time with him. He said, “I’ve always been one to study how things operate. The trades have given me a way to further understand that.”
Although he is originally from Texas, his father is from Eastern Kentucky, and they moved here when he was in grade school. Art said, “I will probably never move away from Kentucky. I love the landscape and seasons of Central Kentucky. There is such a great diversity of people here. That is what I love about it here, so many different perspectives of life that I can’t help but grow as a person.”
He added, “I love being an Ambassador because it allows me to meet so many new people. I love telling people about how much Commerce Lexington does for the community.”
He said he loves getting to see the new businesses that are opening up in the community. “Being involved with Commerce Lexington has allowed me to be around the people that help make business take place in Lexington. It allows me to learn from other successful people and help people that are making their own way in business.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Acacia Dyer, Forcht Bank

As a financial center manager at Forcht Bank, Acacia Dyer provides exceptional service and builds long-lasting relationships with our customers. She oversees the daily operations of the financial center, ensures that her team meets and exceeds the customers’ banking needs in a professional, efficient and friendly manner.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Acacia moved to Kentucky with her family in 1977, because her father was a thoroughbred bloodstock agent and his passion for the horse industry brought them to Lexington. She spent over 31 years in retail management working for stores like The Limited, Macy’s and Chico’s.
Her introduction to the banking industry came when she met Mr. Terry Forcht, founder of Forcht Bank, while working at a local store. She said, “His respect for others, strong work ethic, commitment to excellence, and service to the community drew me to explore careers in banking. My background in customer service, sales, and management made the transition to retail banking an easy one.” Acacia is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, which has given her the opportunity to help many Spanish speaking customers with their banking and financial needs.
This is her first year with the Ambassador Committee, but she is looking forward to helping members get the most out of their membership and encouraging them to get involved in the community.

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Ginger Stein, Churchill McGee

A Kentucky native born in Pikeville and raised in Lexington, Ginger Stein is the Director of Client Relations and Business Development for Churchill McGee, a commercial construction company specializing in institutional (clinics, schools, and universities), warehouse, and multi-family property projects.
Ginger said, “Churchill McGee's client-centric approach and commitment to excellence provide an ideal environment to utilize my sales and marketing background while continuously learning and growing in the commercial construction sector. Despite daily challenges of coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and adapting to evolving market demands, I find the work incredibly rewarding and meaningful.”
As a sales professional, Ginger said her involvement with Commerce Lexington is crucial for several reasons, including the networking opportunities, industry recognition, competitive advantage, community engagement, and visibility it provides.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Ginger said, “Kentucky's blend of welcoming communities, safe neighborhoods, and stunning landscapes continually affirms my decision to call this remarkable state home. What I love most is the people - the incredible connections I've made both personally and professionally.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Dan Noel, Men In Kilts Lexington

Dan Noel is the owner and operator of Men In Kilts Lexington, an exterior cleaning franchise that does window and gutter cleaning, as well as house and pressure washing - and yes, the team does it all while wearing kilts. Prior to starting his own business, he worked as a recruiter. However, after more than a decade in the business, Dan felt he needed a change and more of a challenge.
A native of Boone County in Northern Kentucky, Dan came to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky. He said, “The city has definitely been good to me. It's where I graduated from college, met my wife, and where my son goes to school. It's where I started Men In Kilts. And it's where all, or at least most of, my customers live.”
As an Ambassador, Dan said that ribbon cuttings are his favorite events to attend. “I love getting the chance to meet new business owners and leaders. My ribbon cutting meant a lot to me, so being a part of that for other businesses never gets old. It’s also great exposure for my business.”
“The ambassador committee is full of great people,” added Dan. “We get together to share how our businesses are doing and have referred business to each other as well. Each member call I make presents an opportunity to engage with new people in the community, share the easy, free and low-cost ways to build networks, share special offers, and help people promote their businesses.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Pfister, Heartland Payroll & HR

As a territory sales manager for Heartland Payroll & HR, Jessica Pfister’s role is to recruit new members to her sales and development team, bring on new clients in need of solutions, and service existing clients. She said, “Small businesses often face tough challenges managing payroll and HR issues, and my role is to help them navigate these issues day in and day out.”
Jessica is originally from southeastern Kentucky and came to Lexington to go to the University of Kentucky. She added, “I fell in love with the city and its people and decided to call it home! What I enjoy most about Lexington is its unique ‘little city/big town’ vibe.”
She said she absolutely loves serving as an Ambassador for Commerce Lexington. “It keeps me motivated and deeply connected to the community. There’s nothing better than welcoming new members, making them feel at home, and encouraging them to get involved. As someone who loves to connect people, it’s incredibly satisfying to help link peers who might benefit from working together.”
“Being involved with Commerce Lexington has helped me grow my business and also expand my circle of friends,” she added. “It is a key part of my business strategy, because it keeps me connected and lets me network with other business owners and professionals.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Laura Mobley-Corn, Express Employment Professionals

Originally from Illinois, Laura Mobley-Corn relocated to Lexington via Michigan in 2022 when she became the owner of Express Employment Professionals, which provides a full range of employment solutions that include full-time, temporary, and part-time employment in a wide range of positions.
Laura said, “Helping people find jobs and supporting local businesses is at the heart of what I do, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a wonderful community.” Her journey into staffing began by accident back in 1996, but it didn’t take long for her to discover how much she enjoyed it. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone land a job they’re excited about or finding the perfect employee for a company,” she added.
The pandemic changed how people think about work, and Laura and her team have adapted to these shifts. She said, “Through it all, our commitment to providing excellent service remains unwavering. We’re here to make a difference, one job and one business at a time.”
As a business owner, Laura believes it’s crucial to be involved in the community. She added, “That’s why I’m proud to serve on Commerce Lexington’s Ambassador Committee, where I can give back and help Lexington continue to grow. It’s incredibly rewarding! My fellow ambassadors are a dynamic group of individuals, and I’m privileged to be part of this team.”
She added, "One of my favorite aspects of Lexington is its strong sense of community, especially at events like business mixers and ribbon cuttings. There’s something truly special about coming together to celebrate new businesses and connect with other business owners."

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Francisco Castro, JCC Insurance Group

Francisco Castro got his start in the insurance industry over 17 years ago and soon after he realized he was good at it and loved helping people. He first worked on life and health policies, and later, a friend introduced him to the world of commercial insurance.
In 2017, Francisco joined his twin brother’s firm, JCC Accounting Solutions, moving from Texas to Lexington to help run the office. In 2018, they moved to a new building, streamlined their processes, and increased the number of clients. Because of demand, they formed their own independent insurance agency after Francisco moved his licenses to Kentucky, and he began focusing solely on insurance.
The JCC Group offers accounting, insurance, and IT consulting services. The JCC Insurance Group was recently named the top independent agency with Liberty Mutual Commercial lines in Kentucky and number two in the nation under the Smart Choice umbrella. Francisco said, “We have achieved an incredible level of success serving the growing Hispanic market.” He also said it’s important to help them understand all the different aspects of the insurance policies.
Francisco said, “As an ambassador, we constantly meet business owners who have the same dreams and desires to see our city prosper. Commerce Lexington is a great organization where people can network, meet like-minded people, and give back to our community.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Trey McCallie, Realty One Group Bluegrass

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Trey McCallie has been in real estate for 20 years. He started his career in Richmond (VA), and then became a managing broker for a firm in Blacksburg (VA). He said, “I was attracted to the real estate industry because of my entrepreneurial drive and some career testing that pointed me toward it. Realty One Group approached me about opening the first Kentucky office in 2019. I was very impressed with their branding, marketing, ‘Coolture,’ and overall energy. It was much different than any other real estate brand I had seen.”
Trey is responsible for recruiting, training, compliance and being a resource for other agents. He also works in production, assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate goals. “We are challenged every day to serve our clients and I have the additional role of serving our agents as they are my clients as well,” he added.
Trey said he really enjoys getting together with the other ambassadors and attending ribbon cuttings. “It's exciting to see a new business launch in our community and support what they are doing.”
He added, “I have built so many powerful relationships through Commerce Lexington, including people who are great advisors and friends.” Although Trey is new to the Ambassador Committee this year, he said, “I enjoy our group of Ambassadors. We are all becoming fast friends. They are positive go-getters that really care about the community.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Webb, Houchens Insurance Group

Kelly Webb works as an employee benefits producer with Houchens Insurance Group (HIG). HIG strives to bring their clients and communities superior partnerships and insurance solutions so they can protect what matters most to them. With employee benefits being one of the top-line items in a company’s budget, her goal is to help minimize the cost and risk for her clients.
Kelly said, "In my role, I identify opportunities to engage employers and their employees in health and wellness programs and initiatives as well as offer a comprehensive benefits package for employers to help attract and retain top talent.”
Having previously worked for a local hospital system, she understands how complex health benefits programs can be. She added, “I chose to transition to Houchens Insurance Group to help employers and their employees navigate the health care system.”
"I am passionate about helping others in the community,” she said. “Being an Ambassador with Commerce Lexington allows me to connect and develop relationships and partnerships with businesses and leaders in the community.”
Kelly currently serves on the board for Bluegrass SHRM as Wellness Director and has served in various roles, most recently as president. She is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Central Kentucky and also serves on the board of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals as the Co-Programs Chair.

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Caroline Francis, UK Alumni Career Services

As the director of the University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services, Caroline Francis is tasked with keeping abreast of employment opportunities and workplace trends, while developing career-related programming for her team to carry out. She also coaches individual career clients and writes regular columns for the UK Alumni magazine. In 2013, she co-founded the Central Kentucky Job Club, which is still going strong.
UK was one of the first schools in the country to offer designated alumni career counseling and related programming to help people proactively manage their careers throughout their lifespan. Her team also helps employers promote their job leads. Caroline said, “I am passionate about helping people identify their strengths, make successful career transitions, and reach their full potential.”
A native Lexingtonian, Caroline said, “I love this city and feel vested in helping the region remain a positive place for people to work and live. I enjoy being able to support the businesses of local Commerce Lexington members.”
She added that being involved in Commerce Lexington has allowed her to get to know more employers and leaders in the community and the relationships built will additionally benefit others that she meets in her work. “The collaboration and encouragement that I have seen between employers and business owners is impressive.”

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Crystal Newton, 46Solutions

Formed in 2019 when the I.T. department branched off from its parent company Davis H. Elliot, 46Solutions is a local, 100% employee-owned technology company specializing in managed I.T. services, cybersecurity, and audio/video integration. As the marketing manager, Crystal Newton is responsible for the development and execution of marketing communication plans, budgets, media, and community services.
Newton said, “I was drawn to the challenge and excitement of building the 46Solutions brand and lead generation campaigns from scratch. And now, almost three years later, my team is family.”
A native of Bardstown, Crystal moved to Lexington to attend Transylvania University. “I quickly fell in love with this big town/small city and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else,” she said. “Lexington has provided me with friendships, love, and more opportunity than anyone would deserve. It’s home.”
As a volunteer with Commerce Lexington for many years, Crystal has seen first-hand how the organization helps local businesses. She added, “My role as an Ambassador helps to strengthen relationships between members and the organization, to facilitate referral partnerships, and to provide a platform for business exposure within our community.”
“Commerce Lexington is a resource, advocate, and connector for business,” Crystal said of her involvement. “What started as a way to be part of my local community has developed into a network of professional partnerships, referral opportunities, and fantastic friendships.”