Owensboro’s Jake Boswell has been selected to serve on the Kentucky Chamber’s inaugural Next Generation Leadership Council, a new statewide group designed to bring together emerging leaders to help shape Kentucky’s economic future.
The Kentucky Chamber announced the council on June 12, naming 20 members from across the Commonwealth who will serve during the 2026-28 term. The council includes representatives from a variety of industries and regions and will focus on issues affecting Kentucky’s long-term growth and business climate.
Boswell, who serves with Independence Bank, said he was honored to be chosen for the inaugural group.
“I’m honored and genuinely excited,” Boswell said. “Having spent my career traveling across Kentucky with Independence Bank and in my role as a news reporter, I’ve seen firsthand the character, resiliency, and potential of communities across the Commonwealth. To now have the opportunity to represent Owensboro in a statewide role like this is incredibly meaningful to me.”
According to the Kentucky Chamber, council members will work together to advance key issues impacting the state’s economy while providing insight from their respective industries and communities.
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts said the organization created the council to encourage collaboration among the next generation of leaders.
“Kentucky’s business community is strongest when leaders from different industries and backgrounds come together to share ideas and solve problems,” Watts said in a release. “The members of this council are already making an impact across the Commonwealth, and we look forward to engaging them in conversations about the opportunities and challenges that define Kentucky’s future.”
Boswell said one of the council’s greatest opportunities will be learning from leaders across Kentucky while helping create pathways for future growth.
“The leaders I’m lucky enough to learn from value their people and education while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “I think those traits, and growing a real sense of pride in the place we call home, will be key for Kentucky.”
He said strong educational opportunities, innovation, and community pride will be critical as Kentucky works to attract and retain talent.
“I’ve seen through volunteering with young people that instilling confidence and belief early and consistently can unlock so much,” Boswell said.
Boswell said his work with Independence Bank, which serves communities across 15 counties, has provided a valuable perspective on both the opportunities and challenges facing Kentucky communities.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from leaders and mentors who emphasize listening and putting people first,” he said. “Those experiences have helped shape how I approach leadership, and I’m grateful for the people who continue to invest in me along the way.”
As one of the council’s representatives from Western Kentucky, Boswell said he hopes to highlight the momentum occurring in Owensboro and surrounding communities.
“I want to make sure communities like Owensboro and Western Kentucky are well represented,” he said. “We have a lot to be proud of. Owensboro is doing well in workforce development, sustainable growth, and quality of life. I’m proud to share that story while also advocating for continued investment in communities our size.”
Boswell added that he believes Kentucky’s family-friendly communities can play an important role in attracting future workers and residents.
“Owensboro and Kentucky are great places to raise a family,” he said. “I’m hopeful to contribute to the council, but most importantly, learn what’s ahead for our families and figure out what we can do to help create the best future for them possible.”
The Kentucky Chamber said nominations for the next council term, covering 2027-29, will open later this year.
