BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Barren River Area Development District Board of Directors has officially elected officers for the next two-year term.

BRADD is an organization focused on preserving and advancing "the quality of life and economic well-being" in south-central Kentucky, serving Warren, Butler, Barren, Hart, Edmonson, Logan, Simpson, Allen, Metcalfe and Monroe counties.

The officers are as follows:

Hart County judge-executive Joe Choate will have the role of board chair for a two-year term, according to BRADD. The development district says Choate has been an advocate for the Area Development District concept since taking office in 2019. Additionally, Choate has served on the KY Council of ADDs statewide board since 2023. He is only the third chairperson elected from Hart County, following footsteps of the late Elroy Larimore (1975-77) and former Hart County Judge-Executive Vince Lang (1993-95).

Choate stated, "It's an honor to serve as chairman of the BRADD. BRADD has a long history of collaboration and positively impacts all the communities within our region."

"I am deeply honored to have been elected by my peers as vice chairman of the Barren River Area Development District. It's a privilege to work alongside such dedicated leaders, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen our region and improve the quality of life for all our communities." says Billy Phelps, mayor of Morgantown.

BRADD's executive director, Eric Sexton, says he is thankful for the dedication and hard work of outgoing chairman, Gary Dillard, who passed away suddenly last month.

"Gary would absolutely want this agency and board to continue the path we're on," says Sexton. "His influence will be missed, but his impact is generational."