This is a paid release.
The Owensboro Human Relations Commission (OHRC), an organization dedicated to unifying the community, is excited to announce the appointment of its new Executive Board members, who bring a wealth of experience and passion to guide the organization into its next chapter. In addition, the OHRC is thrilled to invite the Greater Owensboro Community to participate in its upcoming 5K fundraiser event, The MLK Dreamer’s Dash 5K Walk & Run. This event will bring awareness to the mission of MLK Jr. and how we can adopt this mission in our own community.
New Executive Board Members
The newly appointed Executive Board members bring a diverse range of expertise in communications, finance, education, and HR, and are committed to advancing the organization’s mission to “strengthen and unify the Owensboro community by advancing equality, inclusion, and belonging through advocacy, education, empowerment, and accountability.” The new Executive Board includes:
- Dava Kelly – President – Kelly is a native of Owensboro who brings a background of communications and HR to our board. Kelly is currently an HR Generalist for Wendell Foster, and used to be employed at the OHRC over 10 years ago. Kelly is passionate about making everyone in the community feel seen and appreciated. Kelly has been serving our board since March 2024.
- Lee Nuckols – Vice President – Nuckols is an involved citizen of Owensboro, who brings a background in education to our board. Nuckols currently works for Hendrick Architectural, and is an avid supporter of the Daviess County Public Library. He prides himself in his two daughters and hopes to make a change in the community. Nuckols has been serving our organization since March 2024.
- LeRae Anita Jackson – Treasurer – Jackson is a native of Owensboro who brings 29+ years of experience in accounting to the board. She is currently an at-home custom dress-maker of 30 years, and also is employed at OCTC as an HR administrative assistant of 6 years. Jackson is determined and ready for the next steps of our organization. Jackson has been serving our organization since September 2024.
- Kathy Estes – Secretary – Estes is a retired resident of Owensboro who brings a background in finance and a passion for social justice to the board. Estes is a highly involved citizen, working to better the community for all. Estes has been serving our organization since March 2024.
These dynamic individuals will work closely with the Executive Director, Becky Brandle, and the rest of the team to develop and implement strategies that will drive positive change in the organization and the Greater Owensboro community.
“Aligning individuals from different backgrounds with diverse skills and passions is what our Commission is all about. Our Board has grown and continues to evolve into one that represents Owensboro/Daviess County in a way that is encouraging and inspiring to see. With this strong and capable Executive team leading the way, we have high expectations for our impact within the community.” – Becky Brandle, Executive Director.
MLK Dreamer’s Dash 5K Walk & Run
The Owensboro Human Relations Commission is also excited to announce its first annual MLK Dreamer’s Dash 5K Walk & Run, scheduled for January 18, 2025, beginning at City Hall. This event aims to bring awareness to the mission and life of Martin Luther King Jr. and to share how we can adopt this same mission of unity to our community. The 5K will be open to participants of all ages and abilities, with opportunities to run or walk through downtown Owensboro. The route was specifically created to highlight many of the parks and other landmarks that are important to the purpose of this race.
“We (the OHRC) are thrilled to be hosting our first 5K event! Since being here, I have watched the OHRC grow so much in a short amount of time, and this is one of the biggest steps we have taken so far. We aren’t hosting this to just fundraise; we are hosting this event to bring awareness to MLK Jr.’s mission of unity and belonging for all, which directly aligns with our organization’s mission.” – Emilee Clark, Development Coordinator since June 2024
Event Details:
Date: January 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 in the morning
Location: City Hall parking lot
Registration Information: Participants can sign up through this link https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Owensboro/MLKDreamerSDashK or through our website; registration fees are $35, which includes all race day gear
Participants are encouraged to register early to receive their race packets, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, race bib, and other event-day goodies. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each category.
About the Owensboro Human Relations Commission
The Owensboro Human Relations Commission was established by City Ordinance no. 115-72 in 1972 by the City of Owensboro Board of Commissioners. Since its founding, the organization has strived to be a pillar of support for vulnerable community members who often face discrimination, offering help with filing discrimination cases for individuals, free educational programs for the community, and a listening ear for all. Our Board consists of 13 members as of November 2024, and we are still growing! With the help of dedicated Board Members, staff, and community partners, the OHRC continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of the Greater Owensboro community.
For more information on the new Executive Board members, the upcoming 5K event, or to learn how you can get involved, visit owensborohrc.org or contact the OHRC at (270)-687-8670.
