Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District Lincoln Club hosted a sold-out banquet on Saturday, April 12, with more than 400 Republicans from across the 33-county region attending the club’s annual gathering at The Corbin Center.
The 85th annual banquet featured federal and state elected leaders, including a fireside chat between U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, which was moderated by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. They discussed political changes over the last four decades and the most impactful leaders who have held our nation’s highest offices.
Before the fireside chat, Congressman Rogers’ Chief of Staff, Karen Kelly, had the honor of announcing Marion Forcht as the recipient of this year’s Nancy Mitchell Women in Leadership Award.
“Marion is one of the most poised and respected leaders from our region,” Kelly said before offering a list of some of Forcht’s most notable contributions. Those include serving on the board of trustees for the University of the Cumberlands, as well as many statewide boards, such as the University of Kentucky’s Center on Aging Foundation, the Kentucky Governor’s Historic Properties Advisory Commission, Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform, the Governor’s Mansion Centennial Committee, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, and the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation.
Marion Forcht is the Owner and President of Forcht Insurance Agency, and also serves on the Board of Directors for Kentucky Mutual Insurance. Along with her husband, Forcht Group President and CEO Terry Forcht, she has contributed to countless educational, church and community endeavors over the years.
The Forchts have also helped business owners to develop and nurture entrepreneurial skills and opportunities by establishing the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship through the University of Louisville’s College of Business.
Each year, the Forchts present the Excellence in Leadership Series at the University of the Cumberlands. This event has brought a host of noteworthy leaders representing a variety of careers and life experiences to the region, providing a diverse array of valuable lessons and impactful messages to UC students and the general community in order to instill integral leadership values. The annual lecture series has featured speakers such as Ben Stein, Karl Rove, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, Charles Krauthammer, Dr. Ben Carson, Fred Thompson, Dr. William “Will” Franklin Graham IV (grandson of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham), Mel Robbins, Terry Bradshaw, Drew Brees and Laila Ali, among others. This year, the series added basketball megastar and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark to its list of keynote speakers.
“It is clear to see that Marion is generous with her time, generous with her expertise, and has served as an incredible steward to our state,” Kelly said of Forcht before presenting her with this year’s Nancy Mitchell Women in Leadership Award.
The 85th Annual Lincoln Club Banquet also featured addresses from U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, and Congressman Rogers took the podium before the conclusion of the evening’s proceedings to announce this year’s Fifth District Hall of Fame inductees.
Each year, the Fifth District Lincoln Club honors men and women from across Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District who serve as tireless advocates for the Republican party. Some well-known Hall of Fame inductees include U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and former U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.
“Kentucky’s Fifth District Republican Party continues to gain in strength, leading the way for conservative values and electing leaders who aren’t afraid to make bold changes for our communities,” said Rogers. “I was proud to welcome four new inductees into our historic Hall of Fame, honoring leaders who have built a strong foundation in their counties, while also preparing the next generation of visionary leaders.”
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees were: Hon. Will T. Scott, a retired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice from Pike County; Terri Walters, Pike County Republican Party Chair; the late Kentucky Senator Johnnie L. Turner, who was posthumously inducted; and Williamsburg’s own Mayor Roddy Harrison.
Harrison has led the City of Williamsburg as mayor since 2004. He served on the city council for over a decade prior to that, and has served the community as a longtime educator and a volunteer coach. He serves on the Executive Board for the Kentucky League of Cities, and is a board member for the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, the Whitley County Board of Health, and the Cumberland Valley Area Development District, among several other appointments. He is also a member of the University of the Cumberlands Alumni Hall of Fame.
Saturday’s Lincoln Club Banquet was made possible by sponsorships courtesy of Terry Forcht, Bob Hutchison and Senator Brandon Storm, as well as Alex Wilson, John and Karen Kelly, Kevin R. Smith and Barbara White Colter. The event was catered by David’s Steakhouse of Corbin, with floral arrangements designed by Betty’s Flowers of Corbin. Attendees were also entertained by the music of Kentucky Just Us (www.kentuckyjustus.com).
