Brook Smith is an entrepreneur, contemporary art collector, and philanthropist who catalyzes and supports community capacity building. He is president of Smith Manus, a leading provider of surety bonds throughout the United States and Canada. A native of Kentucky, Brook has long supported creative and artistic projects both locally and nationally.

A passionate advocate for the people and natural environment of Appalachia, Brook and his wife Pam founded the Appalachian Impact Fund to support economic transition and community investment in Eastern Kentucky that is directed by the local community. AIF makes grants to nonprofit partners active in the region and blends capacity building with creative investment capital.

Tourism professional with broad experience in the management and operations of cultural institutions and attractions of all types. Principal of Cultural Tourism Consultants, member of the Kentucky Humanities Council, and Commissioner at Louisville Tourism. Native of Central Kentucky, lover of Southern gothic fiction, student of Kentucky writers, and passionate advocate for the people and art of Appalachia. Peavler is the project manager for the Somewhere Initiative.

Public relations executive who is passionate about community engagement, local communities, and the Appalachian region. Lover of art and design.

Drura is an Operating Partner at RSLP Ventures, an investment firm whose founders believe in positive social impact. An architect by training, Parrish was the founder and CEO of Make Time, one of nation’s most innovative manufacturing on demand firms.

President of Hacker Brothers Construction, a lifelong Appalachian, and a strong voice in workforce development and skills training. During his career, he has built countless schools and public facilities in Southeast Kentucky.

Director of Great Meadows Foundation, the INhouse Foundation, and Curator of the Shands Collection and the collection of Brook Smith. He also works as a project-based Independent Curator/Consultant and is based in Louisville, Kentucky and Vienna, Austria.

Principal of Grace-Full Consulting. A nonprofit professional with deep experience in events and programs, Grace most recently served as head of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.