Katie Walker joins Paducah Chamber as programs and public policy director

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce has named Katie Walker as its new programs and public policy director.

In her new role, Walker will oversee workforce development initiatives, small business programming and the chamber’s business advocacy efforts. She also will help develop state and federal legislative priorities and coordinate the chamber’s annual advocacy trips to Frankfort and Washington, D.C., as well as its Public Policy Series.

Walker most recently served as a project manager for Western Kentucky with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, a position she held since 2023. In that role, she led regional workforce development initiatives with an emphasis on strengthening health care talent pipelines and supporting workforce planning efforts.

Prior to joining the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Walker served as associate director of alumni relations at Murray State University from 2013 to 2023.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Murray State University and completed a Doctor of Education degree in P-20 and Community Engagement in 2025.

Walker also serves on Kentucky Area Health Education Center boards, is communications chair for the Four Rivers Society for Human Resource Management chapter and is a member of the current Leadership West Kentucky class.

The Paducah Chamber said Walker brings more than 15 years of experience in workforce development and community engagement to the position.