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Kentucky Distillers’ Association 2026 Leadership Academy Class Announced
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has unveiled its 2026 Leadership Academy class, bringing together 20 industry professionals shaping bourbon’s future. Read on for the full details!
Press Release – KDA 2026 Leadership Academy
20-Member Cohort Advancing Bourbon’s Next Era – 2026 KDA Leadership Academy
FRANKFORT, Ky. –The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced the incoming class of its 2026 Leadership Academy, an immersive program designed to provide a comprehensive view of the global distilling landscape and the pivotal role KDA plays in shaping Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.
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About the KDA Leadership Academy
Launched in 2022, KDA’s Leadership Academy spans 10 sessions held January through November, giving participants from distilling and industry affiliated member companies hands-on exposure to every facet of the Bourbon industry. Session topics include Bourbon tourism, the KDA’s legislative priorities, technical safety standards, and more.
Leadership Perspectives
“As we welcome the fifth class of KDA’s Leadership Academy, I’m reminded once again of the talent that’s inspiring and fueling Kentucky’s signature industry,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “The diverse perspectives and unity of our membership are essential to our success, and I look forward to working with this exceptional group in 2026.”
2026 Leadership Academy Class
The KDA congratulates the 20 individuals selected for the Leadership Academy Class of 2026:
- Corbin Arrasmith, Pensive Distilling Co., Newport
- Nolan Boswell, Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro
- Jasmine Clark, Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown
- Grant Cobb, Stedman Machine Company, Aurora, Indiana
- Emma Cochran, Blue & Co., Louisville
- Ally Edgington, Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville
- Nicky Edwards, Angel’s Envy, Louisville
- Katherine Foley, James E. Pepper Distilling Co., Lexington
- Dave Bob Gaspar, Town Branch Distillery, Lexington
- Michelle Harrison, Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort
- Shawn Hughes, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown
- Cole Irvin, Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville
- Dustin Letourneau, Campari America, Lawrenceburg
- Sophia Markley, Dark Arts Whiskey House, Lexington
- Jessie Martin, Larrikin Bourbon Co., Lawrenceburg
- Hannah Melillo, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., Frankfort
- Haley Moloney, Augusta Distillery, Augusta
- Marshall Rogers, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood
- Brent White, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Shelbyville
- Maggie Young, Bluegrass Distillers, Midway
Learn more about the Kentucky Distillers’ Association at kybourbon.com.
Congratulations to the 2026 KDA Leadership Academy Class!
Next, why not read these related posts? Kentucky Distillers’ Association Welcomes Benson Valley Bourbon and 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Class Announced.
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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.
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