The Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced three new members to its board of directors in advance of the the annual event in September.

Joining the board are Chris Morris (Brown-Forman), Trevor Bowles (Maker’s Mark) and Stacey Phelps (Bardstown Tourism). These additions to the board follow the election of Cordell Lawrence (Eastern Light Distilling) to board chair earlier this year.

“We could not be prouder of the unprecedented progress we’ve made remaking the Kentucky Bourbon Festival over the last four years,” David Mandell, nominating committee chair, immediate past board chair and Whiskey House of Kentucky CEO, said in a news release. “Thanks to the leadership, dedication, and hard work of the board of directors, we not only saved the KYBF, but we also transformed it into one of the world’s preeminent whiskey events.”

Randy Prasse, KYBF president and COO, said the board represents distilleries’ support of the festival and its mission: “Having board members representing iconic brands like Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Maker’s Mark is validation that the KYBF continues to be the event distilleries want and brings in the bourbon consumers they want to reach.”

Morris, master distiller emeritus for Woodford Reserve, joins the KYBF board after an illustrious career. In 1996, he helped create the Woodford Reserve brand and is the mastermind behind Woodfood Reserve Double Oaked, Rye and the Master’s Collection. He began his bourbon career in 1976 as a trainee in Brown-Forman’s central lab.  

With more than a decade of experience in the spirits industry, Bowles brings his expertise engaging consumers to the board. Now Manager of VIP Experience and Trade Engagement at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, he began with Maker’s Mark as their California Bourbon Diplomat.  

Phelps is president of Bardstown Tourism, bringing 15 years of experience in the tourism sector including several years at Bardstown Tourism before being named president in April 2024.  She is committed to elevating Bardstown as a premier travel destination on the global stage, harnessing the transformative power of tourism to create lasting positive impacts for visitors and the local communities alike.

Earlier this year, the board elected Lawrence as chairman after Mandell completed his fourth term.

“Cordell has the vision, expertise, and experience to help the festival continue to evolve and grow,” Mandell said. With Lawrence vacating the vice chair post, the board elected Dan Calloway (Bardstown Bourbon Co.) to fill that position.

Lawrence said Mandell raised expectations for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, challenging the board and staff to create something truly special.

“David’s leadership, along with president Randy Prasse, took what was a struggling event and completely transformed it,” Lawrence said. “I look forward to fostering further improvement and helping the festival achieve its mission.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is set forSept. 13-15, 2024. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.