Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee, National Association of Realtors Realtor, IAM Union Local 1969 Steward Joshua Tracy has spent nearly a decade at Estron Chemical, working his way from Operator to Lead Chemical Operator II, all while pursuing a parallel career as a real estate agent for the past six years. His dual roles reflect a dedication to both personal growth and community service, blending technical expertise with a passion for helping others achieve their goals. Early in his career at Estron, Tracy decided to follow a long- standing interest in real estate. He studied diligently, passed his real estate exam, and has since balanced both occupations successfully. When a potential promotion required supervisory experience, he embraced the challenge by joining the supervisory committee at Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union. For Tracy, hurdles are not obstacles—they are opportunities to learn, grow, and step up. Tracy approaches both his professional and real estate work with a mindset of continuous improvement. At Estron, he constantly seeks ways to enhance processes and keep operations running smoothly. In real estate, he prioritizes providing clients with exceptional service, serving not just as an agent showing properties or facilitating sales, but as a trusted advisor helping them navigate complex decisions. Recently, he has expanded his skill set to include media services such as photography, 3D tours, video, and eventually drone services, further supporting his fellow agents and elevating client experiences. Family has played a central role in shaping Tracy’s professional journey. His mother, who founded Turner Land Title, instilled in him the value of dedication and hard work. On the blue-collar side, his father and stepfather served as mentors through their years of experience in welding and as a diesel mechanic turned vessel engineer, teaching him resilience, discipline, and the importance of showing up fully for your work. Tracy believes that being present for others during challenging times defines true leadership. Whether supporting a client navigating a difficult real estate transaction or assisting a coworker at Estron, he prioritizes being a dependable resource and sounding board. His advice for young professionals is simple: approach each day as a new opportunity. Criticism and obstacles are inevitable, but growth comes from adapting, persevering, and pushing past limitations. For Tracy, the greatest barrier to success is often the limits we place on ourselves. Joshua Tracy Chemical Operator II, Estron Chemical and Realtor, The Jeter Group Sponsored by 40 Under Forty LivWell Community Health Services Board Member, Paducah Head Start/ Preschool Policy Council Member, McCracken County ASAP Member, Opioid Taskforce Member, Kentucky Public Health Association Member, Kentucky Health Departments Association Member Kaitlyn Krolikowski serves as the first female Public Health Director of the Purchase District Health Department, where she has implemented initiatives that directly impact the well-being of her community. Her work includes the creation of the Opioid Taskforce, the establishment of the Harm Reduction Hub, the McCracken County Library Community Hub, and a referral system connecting the McCracken County Jail to Peer Support Specialists. Each program reflects her commitment to practical, long-term solutions that meet the needs of residents across the region. Her journey into public health was anything but easy. With the field historically underfunded in Western Kentucky, Kaitlyn faced the challenge of finding her place in the industry. Determined to succeed, she pursued post-bachelor internships, audited additional undergraduate courses, earned her master’s degree, and joined Delta Corps. She began her career at the health department in an entry-level position, seizing every opportunity to learn, grow, and address gaps she identified. Mistakes were part of the process, but each lesson built toward her ultimate goal of leadership. In a field filled with passionate and dedicated professionals, Kaitlyn stands out for her systems-thinking approach and problem-solving skills. She applies analytical thinking to both day-to-day public health operations and long-term strategic planning, evaluating the immediate and future impact of initiatives, considering unintended consequences, and ensuring programs are scalable and sustainable. Most importantly, she rolls up her sleeves and remains directly involved in the work. Kaitlyn draws inspiration from the everyday heroes she encounters—those who consistently strive to make their communities better. Their dedication motivates her to elevate her own work and to design programs that leave lasting impact. Her vision for her legacy focuses not on personal recognition but on meaningful outcomes. She hopes her programs improve lives and strengthen her community, demonstrating that public health touches every aspect of daily life. Her advice to emerging professionals is simple: be resilient, persevere, and remain open to learning from everyone. Embrace failures, take responsibility, and lift others up along the way. Kaitlyn’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, thoughtful problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to the communities she serves. Kaitlyn Krolikowski Public Health Director, Purchase District Health Department 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
