Kentucky Humanities appoints Kay Madrick as permanent executive director
Kentucky Humanities has named Kay Madrick as its permanent executive director, following her service in an interim capacity. The Kentucky Humanities Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment on April 24, with the position effective May 1, according to the NKy Tribune.
Madrick, a Lexington-based nonprofit professional, previously served as the organization's development director before assuming the interim executive director role following the retirement of Bill Goodman in December 2025. Her appointment comes as Kentucky Humanities navigates significant financial challenges stemming from the loss of federal funding.
"Kay has served Kentucky Humanities with dedication, steadiness, and a clear commitment to our mission during her time as Interim Executive Director," Hope Wilden, chair of the Kentucky Humanities Board of Directors, said in a statement. "The Board is confident in her continued ability to guide Kentucky Humanities' programs, priorities, and strategic direction while remaining mindful of the ongoing financial pressures related to reduced federal funding."
Madrick brings extensive experience in nonprofit development and fundraising. Her background includes serving as manager of development at Norton Children's Hospital and as a development officer at the University of Louisville. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Kentucky University, along with a CFRE Certification.
Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to "Telling Kentucky's Story" through a range of programs including the Kentucky Book Festival, Kentucky Chautauqua performances, the Speaker's Bureau, and Prime Time Family Reading programs. The organization serves as Kentucky's affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities, which suspended funding to the organization in April 2025.
"I am honored to continue this work as executive director," Madrick said. "While we face challenges in the years ahead, our mission remains steadfast: to bring people together through stories, ideas, and shared experiences."