Executive Director- Ryan Watts
Ryan Watts, of Frankfort, joins the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association after spending nearly 14 years in Kentucky state government where he worked in various communication roles.
Watts began his career as the press secretary for Lt. Governor Steve Pence. Recently, Watts served as executive director of the Office of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). In that capacity, Watts directed all communications and served as chief spokesman for the 4,400 employee agency, which is responsible for maintaining and preserving a vast infrastructure network across Kentucky.
During his career in state government, Watts collaborated with officials involved with various initiatives and projects including the Louisville Arena Authority, the Louisville Ohio River Bridges Project, goky.ky.gov, Pause-50 and most recently, the Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow (SHIFT). While at KYTC, Watts also initiated the snowky.ky.gov campaign to consolidate travel and roadway condition information for motorists during winter weather events.
Watts, originally from Bardstown, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in political science and mathematics. He lives in Frankfort with his wife, Ashli, and two children.
Association Manager- Emily Childers
Emily Childers became the Association Manager for the Kentucky Oil & Gas Association in December 2017. Childers joins KOGA after spending nearly 9 years in
various event management roles.
Emily began
her career at the Lexington Center Corporation as an event manager and
recently, as the convention services manager and catering sales manager for the
Hilton Lexington Downtown. In these capacities, she has managed events of all
sizes including tradeshows, galas, meetings, conventions and social events.
Originally
from Oxford, Ohio, Emily is a graduate from Eastern Kentucky University with a
degree in communications. She lives in Versailles with her husband, Michael.