Claude Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation and current board chair of Visit Owensboro, has been selected to serve as the 2026 chair of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.
Bacon’s election was recognized during the 2025 KTIA Annual Conference last week. He has served on the KTIA board since 2020, moving through leadership positions as secretary in 2023, treasurer in 2024, and chair-elect in 2025. He will take on the top role next year, helping guide statewide tourism efforts as part of Kentucky’s broader focus on economic growth.
“Tourism plays a critical role in economic growth, and I look forward to working with colleagues across Kentucky to leverage our assets, create more meaningful visitor experiences, and expand opportunities for every region of the state,” Bacon said.
Before joining GOEDC, Bacon spent 16 years in the private sector with LinGate Hospitality, a hotel development, investment, and management company that franchises with Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. The company’s portfolio includes hotels in multiple states, including the Holiday Inn in downtown Owensboro.
Bacon has often emphasized that tourism and economic development operate hand in hand. He said lodging-tax revenue, hotel-occupancy gains, event attraction, and visitor spending all contribute to business growth and quality of life.
State leaders said Bacon’s background in both economic development and hospitality makes him a strong fit for the position.
Jeff Noel, Secretary of Economic Development, said, “Tourism and economic development are interdependent, and Claude is a tremendous leader who knows how both areas must work seamlessly together.”
Hank Phillips, KTIA President and CEO, said Bacon’s professional background makes him perfectly suited for the role.
“Claude’s experience in the hotel industry, his involvement with Visit Owensboro, and his service as local economic development president and CEO make him an ideal choice as KTIA’s 2026 board chairman,” Phillips said. “Beyond that, his insightful leadership skills will serve the association extremely well next year.”
Locally, the announcement was welcomed by Mark Calitri, President and CEO of Visit Owensboro.
“Having Claude at the helm of KTIA means Owensboro’s voice is front and center in state tourism conversations,” Calitri said. “Our region has worked hard to elevate visitor experiences, create quality jobs, and foster destination growth, and now we have an advocate for those efforts across Kentucky.”
