Claude Bacon has been hired as the new President/CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) after a national search.
Bacon said he decided to pursue the role “because it offered a potential for personal and professional growth coupled with the opportunity to represent a community that I believe in sincerely.”
“I am honored and grateful to represent Owensboro-Daviess County in this role. I see an extraordinarily bright future for the organization and our community,” said Bacon. “This role carries a significant meaning to me as it provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
Of his short- and long-term goals, Bacon said “the first 100 days serving in the role will be key in determining our pathway; however, immediately supporting existing industries and cultivating the opportunities already in our pipeline will be a priority.”
The GOEDC Board of Directors unanimously approved the hire and made the announcement Monday afternoon. Bacon will officially assume the role on July 10. He replaces Brittaney Johnson, who resigned from the position in October 2022.
Bacon brings more than 25 years of business and resource development experience. For the last 15 years, he has served as the Vice President of Administration, Sales, Marketing and E-Commerce for LinGate Hospitality in Owensboro. Bacon is currently the board chair of Visit Owensboro and board member at the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club. He also serves on the executive board of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA).
“We are excited for Claude to bring his energy, passion and relationship-building skills to the EDC. He has a deep love for our Greater Owensboro community and will help us continue with our long-term mission of the EDC to retain, grow, and attract employers to our community,” said Amy Jackson, current Chair of the GOEDC. “He is the right person for the role at the right time with his history of success in public relations, business development, entrepreneurship, developing strategy, growing investor relationships and resources, paired with his passion to grow the Owensboro-Daviess County economy.”
