Hall of Distinguished Alumni Announces 2024 Inductees

Sponsorships Available For 2024 Induction Ceremony

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni has announced four new inductees that will be honored at a ceremony on March 15, 2024.

The new members include Mr. Jimmie Gipson (d.), Coach Keith Madison, Judge N.E. Reed (d.), and Mr. Scottie Woodcock. The HODA Committee provided the following information for the inductees:

Jimmie Gipson is a 1959 graduate of Brownsville High School. Whether on the basketball court or leading a large company, he was a key player on every team for which he played. Described by friends as a servant leader who embodied the characteristics of loyalty and altruism, Jimmie was proud of his modest upbringing in the Chalybeate community. He was employed by Houchens Industries for 55 years, serving as CEO for the last 26 years. It was under Jimmie’s leadership that Houchens expanded from a single grocery store to become the largest and most diversified ESOP in the country. This strategy fended off the expansion of big box stores into Houchens’ territory while transforming the company into an ESOP with over 19,000 participants. Thus, securing it as a primary driver of the southcentral Kentucky economy. Jimmie has received many honors over the years including Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young, honoree in the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Lou Fox Award for Charity and Community Service from Associated Wholesale Grocers.

Keith Madison, a 1969 graduate of Edmonson County High School, grew up in the Lindseyville community in a household where faith, family, and sports were mainstays. At age 17, he signed his first professional baseball contract charting the trajectory of his life toward a career in athletics. During his career, Keith played with several professional teams including the Montreal Expos and the Cincinnati Reds. His collegiate coaching career began at Mississippi State University in 1977. In 1979, Madison, then age 26, became the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I baseball when he was hired to lead the University of Kentucky baseball team. He remains the winningest coach in U.K. baseball history, which led to the retirement of his jersey and recognition as an honoree in several halls of fame for his success on the field.

Judge Noah Everett “N.E.” Reed, Jr., a 1965 graduate of Edmonson County High School, grew up in the Mohawk community, but served all of Edmonson County for 21 years as Judge/Executive. First elected in 1993, the role was a natural fit for this servant leader who tirelessly sought opportunities to improve the quality of life for his constituents. He developed the first Parks and Recreation Department and Industrial Authority in Edmonson County and he worked tirelessly throughout the region to create economic development opportunities and enhance infrastructure for residents. As a long serving Judge Executive, Judge Reed was well known by his peers across the Commonwealth and his sage council was often sought by other elected officials. Judge Reed continued to serve Edmonson County after retiring from office as a District 4 Director of WRECC and a Board Member of Edmonson County Water District as well as a member of the Edmonson County Lions Club.

Scottie Woodcock, a 1951 graduate of Brownsville High School, grew up in Brownsville and when he married his wife, Ethel, they put down permanent roots to raise their family and make a living there. He had a strong business acumen at an early age and found success in several ventures, including the Gulf service station, Woodcock General Store, (serving as manager), and Western Auto. Scottie also played a critical role in bringing the first factory—Kelwood—to Brownsville, which created jobs for many residents leading to far-reaching economic impact in the county. In 1989 Scottie made a career change and became a Loan Officer and Board Member at the Bank of Edmonson County. This allowed him to help many Edmonson Countians achieve their dreams by approving loans for homes, farms, and businesses. He served in a myriad of volunteer and civic roles, including Brownsville City Council, Brownsville Water District, Lions Club, and the Washington Meredith Masonic Lodge. His professional success and service to his community led to his recognition as Mr. Brownsville in 1964.

The inaugural class of the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2023: L-R: Johnny Pete Vincent, the late David Webb (accepted by wife Ann Webb), MSgt. Larry Hawks, Johnny Webb, Jeanne Patton, Jerry Patton, Dr. Kevin Clemmons.

"The four inductees selected for the 2024 Class were chosen from a pool of 26 nominations submitted by members of the community," HODA said in a written statement. "The committee took great care to evaluate each nomination to ensure that those selected reflected the criteria set forth, which include: outstanding personal, civic, or professional achievements, honor and recognition to the alma mater through his/her profession or service, strong personal character, moral conviction, and outstanding service/contributions, attended or graduated no less than fifteen years from date of consideration, and achievements in career, public service, and volunteer activities worthy of recognition which have brought honor to the Edmonson County School District.

The 2024 ECHS Honorary Alumnus will also be announced at the event, which will not be revealed until the evening of the Induction Ceremony, the committee stated.

The committee also made special note of those inducted that are being done posthumously, Mr. Gipson, Judge Reed, as well as last year's Mr. David Webb. 

"The committee has endeavored to be thoughtful in selecting honorees who have reached the pinnacle of their careers or community involvement and, in some cases, to choose those who may be nearing the twilight of their impactful lives to ensure we are able to personally celebrate with them while they are still with us," they stated. "The committee recognizes that in the first few years of the program, it will likely be necessary to “reach back” to honor some inductees who are no longer with us. It is our privilege to do so and we make those selections with reverence and gratitude for their achievement in their chosen profession and service to our community. We give special consideration to make sure that there is a good balance of living inductees with whom we may personally celebrate and those who have gone on and will require a loved one to receive the award on their behalf. Each group is equally important and it is our wish to honor them well while bringing a top tier event to our community. While the committee discussed many names of worthy individuals who deserve consideration, we are limited to only evaluate those with complete nomination forms. Consequently, if the community feels strongly that someone should be included, then the onus is on them to submit a complete nomination for that candidate. Once a nomination is submitted, it will remain in the pool for consideration for three years."

There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available for the ceremony, which is to be held at Tayvin Gardens.

• Platinum: $3000 (one exclusive spot available): Platinum Sponsorship is the single highest sponsorship level with the donor’s logo and/or name receiving top billing in all marketing leading up to and during the event. This sponsor will receive a table of 8 in a premium location and one reserved parking space near the venue door on the evening of the event.
• Gold: $1000 (sold out) Ken & Regina Byrd, Johnny & Glenna Webb, The Edmonson Voice, Bank of Edmonson County.
• Silver: $500 (three currently available) Third highest sponsorship level with the donor’s logo and/or name receiving recognition during the event. These sponsors will receive a table of 8 in a main floor location. Jay and Alison Holland, Keller Wiliams First Choice Realty, Michael Reed & Julie Skaggs-Reed Realtors, and Patton Funeral Home.

Tickets to the public will go on sale soon and will be advanced-sale, only. No tickets will be sold at the event. For more info, see any committee member or email [email protected]. The sponsorship levels will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Committee members of HODA are: Regina Byrd, Melinda Campbell, Darrell Cassady, Treasurer, Cooper Clark, Video Production, Morgan Esters, Amanda Lich, Chair, Hon. Ronald Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny Webb , Jonathan Williams.