About KBT

Kentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT), a statewide transportation association, has a long history of educating and advocating for all modes of transportation in Kentucky.

KBT was formed in 1977 by a group of individuals representing the aviation industry, the rail industry, public transit, the highway, road, and bridge construction industry as well as the barge industry. These individuals understood the importance of a multimodal, interconnected transportation network.

The organization has grown to more than 300 members who continue to represent all modes of transportation across the Commonwealth including air, local streets and roads, highways, bridges, rail, public transit, and Kentucky’s ports and river industries.

Additionally, KBT members include representatives of local governments, chambers of commerce, and major manufacturing and logistics companies that depend on a safe, efficient transportation network.

Our

Administrative Staff

Jennifer Kirchner

Executive Director

jennifer@kbtnet.org

Jennifer Kirchner joined KBT leadership as its’ new Executive Director in December of 2020. Jennifer brings extensive experience building partnerships within a community and region, formerly serving as executive director for the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the Bureau, she was responsible for leading the organization and overseeing asset development, government and public relations, marketing, event management, the Visitor Center and historic site management. Learn more about Jennifer here.

Missy Angolia

Member and Event Coordinator

missy@kbtnet.org

Before joining KBT, Missy was the Executive Director of the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville. Over the last 10 years, she has worked as a Talent Recruiter for Incipio Workforce Solutions in Louisville, and as the Event & Member Coordinator at the Heart of Danville Main Street Program. Missy holds a BA in English from Bellarmine University and resides in Danville with her husband, Brian, and daughter, Maddy.

Advocacy

KBT advocates for a safe, sustainable transportation network at both the state and federal level. Advocacy initiatives include securing funding for air transportation, funding Kentucky’s local road, highway and bridge network, funding for safety improvements to at-grade rail crossings, funding for Kentucky’s public riverports, and funding for Kentucky’s public transit providers.

KBT also advocates for safety initiatives including measures that limit distracted driving and encourage restraint usage in personal passenger vehicles.

KBT’s Legislative policies are developed by the organization’s committees and approved by the KBT Board of Directors.

Education & Events

Each year, KBT organizes and hosts the Annual Kentucky Transportation Conference, the only annual event of its kind in the Commonwealth. Held in January, the two-day event is attended by nearly 500 individuals. Legislative leaders, local elected officials, and modal representatives from across Kentucky come together to discuss issues relative to transportation infrastructure and to learn from nationally-recognized speakers.

KBT hosts a two-day Washington, D.C. Fly-In event in mid-May. Participation in the Fly-In is open to all KBT members and provides members with unparalleled access to the Kentucky Congressional delegation, their staffs and transportation officials.

KBT also hosts a Mid-Year Review in June. This event provides an opportunity to hear from Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet Secretary and other special guests. All KBT members are invited to attend this event.

*Note: Many of KBT’s 2020 events were moved to virtual channels due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Governance

KBT is governed by a Board of Directors whose members represent all modes of transportation, local elected officials, chambers of commerce, agricultural organizations, logistics companies, and major manufacturers. The KBT Board hosts quarterly meetings to discuss issues that impact Kentucky’s transportation network.