Bobby Clue's journey from political activist to chamber leader began at the University of Kentucky, where he discovered his passion for public service. Now, as executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, Clue credits his time on campus with shaping a career dedicated to building his community, according to a profile published by UKNow.

Clue, the son of a retired Air Force officer and an interior designer, grew up in Somerset before leaving for the University of Kentucky. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2000, followed by a master's degree from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration in 2003. During his time at UK, Clue became deeply involved in campus leadership and civic engagement, particularly after witnessing a debate between Republican and Democratic party leaders that inspired his early career direction.

After graduation, Clue built a diverse professional resume, serving as deputy finance officer for the Kentucky Republican Party, finance director for a mayoral campaign in Lexington, and working in Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration. He later opened his own consulting firm, Bluegrass Consulting Services, and worked as government relations officer for the West Virginia-based law firm Steptoe and Johnson, handling energy sector affairs across three states.

Clue spent 15 years in Lexington before a significant life change prompted his return to Somerset. As his parents' health declined and his two older siblings remained out of state, Clue made the difficult decision to move home, accepting a position as executive director of the chamber about 15 years ago.

Under Clue's leadership, the chamber has grown substantially, with membership projected to exceed 1,300 by the end of the year—a dramatic increase from the organization's earlier size. The chamber operates one of the most successful business advocacy programs in a multistate region, Clue noted, with members drawn from nearly 90 percent small businesses. The chamber maintains a 92.5 percent member retention rate, significantly above national averages.

A cornerstone of the chamber's mission involves investing in young people. The Young Entrepreneur's Academy, now in its 13th year, provides an 18-week program teaching middle and high school students to start and run businesses. Winners receive full four-year scholarships to Campbellsville University. To date, the program has distributed more than $1.3 million in scholarships. The chamber also funds scholarships through its annual Holiday Auction, having raised over $300,000 and provided 140 scholarships to Somerset Community College students.

"Investing in young people is one of the most meaningful things we do," Clue said. "Education changes lives, and we're proud to help make those opportunities possible."

Clue, described by colleagues as an extreme extrovert energized by people, credits his UK education with broadening his worldview and setting him on his current path. He attributes his enduring commitment to his community to lessons learned on campus—and a question his parents posed throughout his childhood: how will you make the world a better place?