McCracken County Archery Booster President, BAI (Basic Archery Instructor) Certified, McCracken County Schools Mentor Connect, Baptist Health Mentor Kari Farris has always believed that some of the most rewarding accomplishments come from taking bold leaps — even when they’re equal parts thrilling and terrifying. For her, that moment came when she decided to open her own small business. Self-admittedly not always confident in her ability to take on daunting challenges, she describes the experience as a mixture of fear, excitement, and growth. “We haven’t perfected everything,” she admits, “but we’re learning as we grow.” As a young leader, Kari has faced the challenge of being underestimated because of her age, even when her skills and achievements spoke for themselves. She has learned that consistent performance and a commitment to lifelong learning are powerful tools to overcome such perceptions. Whether it’s professional development, personal growth, or expanding her knowledge in unexpected areas, she embraces continuous improvement as a way to demonstrate capability, determination, and the readiness to rise to any occasion. Her deepest inspiration, however, comes from her children. They motivate her to evolve in every aspect of life and were the driving force behind her venture, A+K Permanent Jewelry. The business has become a family endeavor, with her kids contributing ideas, lending helping hands, and learning valuable lessons about work ethic and creativity. For Kari, building something together has strengthened family bonds while planting seeds of entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation. Kari hopes her career and community involvement will leave a legacy rooted in positivity, kindness, and inclusion. She is passionate about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and treated with grace — regardless of the circumstances. That dedication to giving back is evident in her business’s community efforts, such as organizing donation drives for the Paducah Senior Center during the holiday season, a tradition she plans to continue and expand. A guiding principle in Kari’s life comes from a quote she heard years ago: “Be the YOU that you needed when you were younger.” This perspective shapes the way she approaches leadership, relationships, and challenges. It means meeting people where they are, reading each moment with care, and deciding whether it calls for guidance, empathy, discipline, or a teachable opportunity. Through her business, her family, and her community work, Kari Farris strives to lead by example — showing that courage, consistency, and compassion are powerful forces for lasting impact. Kari Farris Owner, A+K Permanent Jewelry and Clinical Out- comes Coordinator, Baptist Health Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives Board Member, Graves County Economic Development Board Member, Mayfield- Graves Tourism Commission Board Member, Leadership West Kentucky Class #3 Katie Beth McCord takes immense pride in her role supporting her hometown of Mayfield and Graves County. After the COVID-19 pandemic brought her back home and the destructive 2021 tornado left a lasting impact on the community, Katie Beth felt a calling to help rebuild and uplift the people and businesses around her. Her current position allows her to serve in a meaningful way, cheering on local entrepreneurs, fostering growth, and contributing to the resilience of the community she knows so well. One of the greatest challenges Katie Beth has faced in her career is learning to adapt to work with companies and teams of varying sizes. From organizations with over 400 employees to ones with just ten, she has learned the value of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and work styles. She believes early career experience in navigating differences is critical to achieving shared goals and building effective teams. Katie Beth’s age and perspective set her apart in her field. Though younger than many in similar leadership roles, she brings over a decade of professional experience, a fresh outlook, energy, and determination. She credits her Board of Directors for recognizing her potential and entrusting her with leadership responsibilities. Her approach blends respect for seasoned professionals with a drive to innovate and lead with purpose. Faith plays a central role in Katie Beth’s work. Inspired by her Savior, Jesus Christ, she strives to live and work in a way that honors Him, guided by the principle of loving and caring for her neighbors. This foundation informs her professional decisions, community involvement, and personal interactions every day. Katie Beth hopes her legacy is one of meaningful contribution to Mayfield and Graves County. She wants to ensure the community remains a supportive, vibrant place where future generations, including her son, can thrive. Whether through her work at the Chamber or as a dedicated neighbor, she aims to leave a positive impact that inspires others to contribute and engage. Her advice to young professionals is to immerse themselves in their communities. By volunteering, joining organizations, or participating beyond basic expectations, individuals can create connections, learn valuable lessons, and make a lasting impact. Katie Beth believes that those who go the extra mile naturally stand out and help shape the future of the places they love. Katie Beth McCord Executive Director, Mayfield-Graves Chamber of Commerce 20 SEPTEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
