Kentucky State Police Foundation

Heroes Need Heroes

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How To Give

We Need Your Support!!!

The Kentucky State Police Foundation provides essential care, resources, and long-term support to our troopers, their families, and the programs that strengthen our communities by funding critical safety equipment, advanced training, wellness initiatives, and emergency assistance.

In-Kind Donation

Donations will help cover items such as food while in the hospital, transportation assistance, or family assistance resources.

Monetary Donations

Donations will help cover items such as food while in the hospital, travel needs & anything to help the family ease the burden.

For general inquiries or additional giving methods, please contact us at info@kspfoundation.org. 

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Mission

Our Mission

Who We Are & What We Do

The Kentucky State Police Foundation is dedicated to supporting the Kentucky State Police (KSP) through strategic partnerships with the community and private sector. Its mission is to advance initiatives that enhance public safety, promote employee wellness, and reinforce the agency’s commitment to serving the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. By investing in the well-being of KSP personnel and the effectiveness of its operations, the Foundation strives to strengthen the agency’s capacity to safeguard the Commonwealth with integrity, professionalism, and excellence.

Support Kentucky’s Finest.

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Our Projects

KENTUCKY STATE POLICE FOUNDATION AGENCY SUPPORT

Employee Training

Conferences, Meetings & More

$ 79,587

Specialized Equipment

Equipment, Facilities & More

$ 318,420

Employee Support

Events, Awards & Relief

$ 52,341

Total Support = $ 450,348

History

Our History

A Legacy of Service

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) was officially established on July 1, 1948, through legislation signed by Governor Earle Clements, making KSP the first statewide police force to be given authority by Legislation and not executive order. The creation of KSP marked a significant step forward in statewide law enforcement, replacing the earlier 1936 formed Kentucky Highway Patrol.

The new agency was modeled after the Pennsylvania State Police and was given a broader mandate to enforce all criminal laws across the Commonwealth. Its formation unified law enforcement efforts at a time when Kentucky was experiencing rapid post-war growth, expanding infrastructure, and increasing public safety needs.

From the beginning, the KSP was envisioned not just as a policing force but as a professional, disciplined agency rooted in service, integrity, and justice. The agency’s early motto, “The Thin Gray Line,” reflected both the uniform color and the solemn responsibility of protecting the citizens of Kentucky across both rural and urban communities.

Today, the Kentucky State Police stand as a nationally respected law enforcement agency, with over 900 sworn troopers and civilian staff supporting 16 post locations across the Commonwealth, and the KSP Headquarters located in Frankfort. The KSP continues to play a critical role in public safety, disaster response, highway enforcement, and interagency collaboration.

1950s–1960s

Expansion of posts and implementation of advanced training techniques; increased focus on traffic enforcement and criminal investigations.

1970s

Integration of crime labs and the development of specialized units such as narcotics and arson investigation.

1980s–1990s

Introduction of aviation, enhanced tactical response units, and advanced communication systems.

2000s–present

Emphasis on community policing, technology-driven investigations (such as cybercrime and forensics), and data-informed enforcement strategies.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the Answers You’re Looking For

What is the difference between the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Kentucky State Police Foundation (KSPF)?
  • KSP carries out frontline law enforcement, public safety, highway enforcement, criminal investigations, and protection of individual rights across the Commonwealth.
  • KSPF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose role is to support KSP and its employees by bridging gaps in funding, fostering public‑private and community partnerships, and advancing programs that enhance KSP’s effectiveness, employee wellness, and capacity to serve the citizens of Kentucky.
Why does KSP need financial support from the Foundation?

The state budget and allocated funding often cover core operations, but many strategic, emergent, or specialized needs fall outside those limits. Your contributions allow the Foundation to:

    • Provide essential equipment, training, and resources not otherwise funded
    • Enable flexibility for innovation, emergency responsiveness, or pilot programs
    • Leverage private-sector partnerships to maximize impact
    • Support employee wellness, morale, and retention which are all factors critical to effective law enforcement
How can I volunteer or get involved?

We welcome volunteers who wish to support our mission. Whether event planning, community outreach, fundraising, or program support, we’ll help find a fit.

Contact us through our website, email us at info@kspfoundation.org or call 859‑316‑5305. We’ll work with you to engage in meaningful ways.

Can I make an in-kind donation?

Yes. In-Kind contributions such as equipment, materials, services, or supplies are accepted and often necessary to offset specialized costs. You will receive a donation statement that lists the fair market value for your tax records.

How do I participate or sponsor the Gold for Gray Gala (or other events)?

We invite individuals, businesses, and organizations to sponsor, volunteer, or attend. To learn about sponsorship levels, auction participation, or volunteer roles, contact us via email or phone, or use the “Events & Sponsorship” page on our site.

When are tax-deductible receipts or letters issued?
  • For in-kind donations, you will receive a tax-deductible receipt stating the fair market value of the items.
  • After Foundation events, a written and electronic statement of tax‑deductible contributions is provided to participants and donors. We maintain records and can provide copies upon request.
  • We do ask, and appreciate your patience when waiting on these as these are prepared individually for each donor and signed by the Executive Director.

Make a Difference Today.

Your contribution directly supports essential training, equipment, and programs that strengthen the mission of the Kentucky State Police.

Donate

Stand With Those Who Serve.

Offer your time and talents to support events, outreach, and community initiatives that help our troopers and the families behind them.

Volunteer

Our Board

Board of Directors

The Leaders Behind Our Mission

Luther Deaton, Jr.

President & Chairman

Carol McIvor

Vice Chair

Dr. Robert “Bob” Hughes, MD

Secretary / Treasurer

Stewart Perry

Board Member

Tyler Adkins

Board Member

Matt Feltner

Legal Counsel to Board of Directors

Ambassador Kelly Craft

Board Member

Chris Evans

Board Member

James Stephens

Board Member

Brett Blackwell

Board Member

Andrea Walker Rich

Board Member

Greg Couch

Board Member

Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr.

KSP Commissioner (Ex-Officio)

Sherry Bray

Public Affairs Office (Ex-Officio)

Sergeant Matt Sudduth

Public Affairs Branch Commander (Ex-Officio)

Alison Chavies

Executive Director

Sponsors

Our Sponsors & Partners

Commissioner Level Sponsors

The Kentucky State Police Foundation is grateful to its sponsors and partners for their continued support in charitable giving and in-kind contributions. As a nonprofit organization, the KSP Foundation depends on the generosity of individuals, corporations and partnerships to fund our programs.

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Be the Difference

The KSP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our EIN number is 47-4712245.

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Contact

Contact Us

Reach out with general questions or to learn more about volunteering, donating, or partnering with the Kentucky State Police Foundation.

I would like to volunteer

I would like to sponsor a future event

Kentucky State Police Foundation Icon

ADDRESS

1303 US HWY 127 South
Suite 402 – 204
Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact

info@kspfoundation.org

859‑316‑5305

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“Supporting those who protect and serve is not just our mission, it’s our honor.”

Luther Deaton, Jr. – President and Chairman

President & CEO, Central Bank & Trust Co.

Luther Deaton, a native of Jackson KY, has served as President & CEO of Central Bank & Trust Co., since 1996.  He was elected Chairman, President & CEO of Central Bancshares in 2003. 

He began his career at Central Bank in 1978 in retail banking as a teller. He steadily progressed up through the lending department and was named Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial & Retail Banking in 1991. Deaton has completed the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and the National Commercial Lending School at University of Oklahoma. 

Luther is a former Board Member of Child Development Centers. He is a former Board Member and Treasurer of the American Bankers Association. He is a past Board Member and President of the Kentucky Bankers Association and a past Chairman and current Executive Board Member of Commerce Lexington. He currently serves on the boards of IOLTA, the Kentucky State Police Trooper Foundation, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky Hospital, the American Heart Association and SECAT. He has also previously served on the boards of the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership, University of Kentucky Athletics, Bluegrass Tomorrow and Kentucky Council on Child Abuse.  In addition, he is a former Advisory Board Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. He resides in Nicholasville.

QUOTE:

“The Kentucky State Police to me is personal, profound, and rooted in an act of commitment. I remember a kind state trooper who regularly stopped at my service station job at the age of 16; he was a human face to public safety. When he tragically lost his life answering a domestic warrant call, it became clear to me that these men and women are the unwavering bedrock of our communities. They don’t just enforce the law – they provide the layer of safety that allows every family, every business, and every citizen to live and thrive without fear.”

Carol McIvor— Vice Chair

 

Carol McIvor of Bowling Green, Kentucky, has served as a valued member of the Kentucky State Police Foundation Board since its establishment in 2015. An entrepreneur with deep local roots, Carol is the owner of Four Boys Farm in Bowling Green, where she has applied her business acumen and community‑minded spirit for over two decades. Her longstanding commitment to civic engagement is underscored by her involvement with regional philanthropic efforts and support of healthcare and public‑safety‑oriented initiatives in the region. Carol’s passion for the mission of the Foundation, advancing the welfare of the Kentucky State Police and fostering safer communities across the Commonwealth, has made her an indispensable leader and advocate.

QUOTE:

"Being a part of the Kentucky State Police Foundation has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Supporting the troopers and personnel who put their lives on the line every day for our communities is an honor. I’m proud of the impact we've made, and I remain deeply committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission across the Commonwealth."

Dr. Robert “Bob” Hughes, MD – Secretary / Treasurer

 

Dr. Bob Hughes is a retired family physician.   He previously was the managing partner and one of the founders of Primary Care Medical Center-one of Kentucky’s largest primary care practices.  Hughes is a graduate of Transylvania University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine.  He has served on numerous boards across Kentucky including the University of Louisville Board of Trustees for 12 years.  He was the Chairman from 2013-15 and was the University of Louisville Alumnus of the Year in 2014.  Dr. Hughes has a passion for law enforcement and the military, especially his friends in the 160th SOAR.  He also served as a Reserve Deputy with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department.  He and his wife, Dr. Joyce Hughes, reside in Murray, Kentucky.

QUOTE:

I have always been both proud and honored to be associated with law enforcement and those who put their life on the line for us every day.  It is especially important to me to be able to serve the Kentucky State Police through their foundation.

Stewart Perry – Board Member

Owner, Stewart Perry State Farm Insurance

As a lifelong Lexington resident, UK alumnus, and the owner of Stewart Perry State Farm Insurance, one of the region’s most established agencies since 1982. He is also a nationally recognized diabetes advocate, serving as Co-founder and Chairman of the Diabetes Leadership Council and former National Chair of the American Diabetes Association.

Stewart brings decades of civic leadership to the Kentucky State Police Foundation Board, with prior service on boards like Equestrian Events, Inc., UK’s Children’s Miracle Network, and Prime for Life. He’s been a strong supporter of youth sports and public safety. He lives in Lexington with his wife, Judy, and is a proud father and stepfather.

QUOTE:

The Kentucky State Police Foundation represents a steadfast commitment to supporting those who protect our communities, embodying trust, honor, and the spirit of service that inspires me every day. That is why it deserves support from me and all people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky!

Tyler Adkins – Board Member

Senior Vice President, Ramaco Resources, Inc

Tyler Adkins serves as Senior Vice President – Law and Assistant Secretary at Ramaco Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq: METC). With over a decade of experience in the legal and energy sectors, Tyler is a seasoned legal executive who has worked with both private and public companies. His expertise encompasses corporate law, corporate governance, securities regulation, equity and debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation. Tyler is also the son of a Trooper and has been actively involved with the Foundation since its inception, contributing a significant amount of time and effort to advancing the organization's mission and success.

QUOTE:

“Growing up the son of a Trooper and going through the tragedy of losing my dad in the line of duty at age 9 makes this Foundation’s work personal to me.  I am honored to be able to support the men and women of the Thin Gray Line through the Foundation’s work.  The Kentucky State Police is family, and I look forward to supporting them in every way possible.”

Matt Feltner — Legal Counsel to Board of Directors

Attorney, Caldwell & Feltner Law Offices, PLLC.

Matt Feltner, retired KSP Major of Administration, has been an attorney for over 18 years. He practices law with his wife, Keisha. His primary area of practice focuses on those injured in car and truck wrecks.

QUOTE:

"The KSP Foundation is a way to give back to an agency that has given me so much."

Ambassador Kelly Craft – Board Member

 

As a proud Kentucky native, Ambassador Craft has consistently demonstrated her dedication to advancing the Commonwealth’s best interests on both national and international stages.

Ambassador Kelly Craft is a seasoned diplomat, philanthropist, and civic leader who served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2019 to 2021 and as U.S. Ambassador to Canada from 2017 to 2019, becoming the first woman to hold this position. In each role, she led with conviction, championing American values, national security, and economic development.

 Her appointment to the Kentucky State Police Foundation Board of Directors reflects a shared commitment to supporting those who serve and protect the Commonwealth. She brings to the Board a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, international relations, and philanthropic advocacy, particularly in support of military families, law enforcement, and educational initiatives.

Ambassador Craft holds a degree from the University of Kentucky and resides in Lexington with her husband, Joe Craft.

QUOTE:

“Supporting the Kentucky State Police is deeply personal for me, as many of my family members have served as first responders throughout the Commonwealth. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and they deserve our full support. I’m honored to join the KSP Foundation Board and look forward to helping ensure our troopers have the resources, training, and encouragement they need both on and off duty. There’s no greater mission than standing behind those who stand up for us.”

Chris Evans — Board Member

Executive Director, Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, Office of the Attorney General

Chris Evans, Chair and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Commission, appointed to represent the Attorney General (AG). In January 2024, Chris Evans was appointed to the Commission as the Executive Director by Attorney General Russell Coleman. In this role, he oversees the distribution of the state’s portion of more than $800 million from settlements with opioid manufacturers.

Chris has a B.A. and M.A. from Rutgers University and previously served as the first Special Agent in charge of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) efforts in Appalachia. He later led DEA’s global operations and created nationwide programs to combat drug trafficking, violent crime, and illicit opioid distribution networks. Chris resides with his wife and family in Louisville.

QUOTE:

"After decades in federal law enforcement and now leading Kentucky’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, I know firsthand the critical role KSP plays in public safety. This Foundation represents an opportunity to drive real impact where it matters most—our communities.”

James Stephens — Board Member

 

Jamie Stephens, retired Captain KSP Post 14, brings over three decades of experience in criminal justice, public safety, and education to his role as a board member of the Kentucky State Police Foundation. Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Police Administration and a Master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management, with a certification in Homeland Security. His leadership spans field operations, strategic command, and federal investigation, including serving as an investigator for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during the probe into the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Beyond his law enforcement service, Jamie has spent more than 14 years as an educator, teaching Criminal Justice and Homeland Security at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His extensive background in law enforcement and academia brings valuable insight and strategic perspective to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the men and women of the Kentucky State Police.

QUOTE:

"As a retired member of the Kentucky State Police, it is an honor to continue serving the great members of this incredible agency through the work of the Kentucky State Police Foundation.”

Brett Blackwell — Board Member

President & CEO, Corporex Companies

Brett Blackwell, President and CEO of Corporex Companies since 2024, is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and has been a board member of the Freestore Foodbank of Greater Cincinnati, Freestore Foodbank of Greater Cincinnati Foundation and Northern Kentucky Education Council. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Commonwealth Hotels.

QUOTE:

"It’s an honor to support the Kentucky State Police Foundation and its mission to empower the men and women who serve our Commonwealth with excellence."

Andrea Walker Rich — Board Member

Evening News Anchor, FOX56 News

Andrea Walker Rich is a longtime journalist and community advocate with deep roots in Kentucky. She currently serves as a news anchor at FOX 56 in Lexington, where she shares impactful stories that uplift and inform. Andrea comes from a proud law enforcement family—her father and uncle both served as Jessamine County Sheriffs, her husband is a Kentucky State Trooper, and her father-in-law also served in the ranks. She is deeply committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to public safety.

QUOTE:

"The Foundation is more than a cause; it’s a commitment to the brave men and women who serve our communities. As the daughter, niece, wife and daughter-in-law of law enforcement officers, I’ve seen the dedication and sacrifice behind the badge. I’m proud to be part of an organization that provides real support and recognition for their service."

Greg Couch — Board Member

Founder and CEO, Meridian Wealth Management

Greg Couch is a native of Eastern Kentucky, who began his career in 2005 as a financial advisor with a regional broker-dealer in Lexington. In 2010, he founded Meridian Wealth Management, LLC to build a firm dedicated to empowering clients and the advisors who serve them. Today, Meridian manages more than $4 billion in assets for individuals and institutions across the country. Greg resides in Lexington with his wife and four children. Outside the office, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, and cheering on collegiate and NFL teams.

QUOTE:

“Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, I’ve always respected the men and women who protect our communities. Supporting the troopers, officers, and personnel who protect our communities is more than a mission, it’s a responsibility. The Foundation ensures they’re not only supported but truly equipped to lead. I’m proud to serve alongside such dedicated leaders and to contribute to a mission that truly matters.”

Colonel Phillip Burnett, Jr. – KSP Commissioner (Ex-Officio)

Kentucky State Police

Commissioner Phillip “PJ” Burnett, Jr. is a 30-year veteran who has held every sworn rank within KSP including post level uniformed and investigative operations, collision reconstructionist, field training officer, firearms instructor, post commander, operations east troop major, and administration division lieutenant colonel and executive director of the Office of Operations as Unit 1.

On Nov. 4, 2020, he was promoted to colonel and interim commissioner of the agency.

On April 9, 2021, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the appointment of Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. as commissioner of KSP.

Commissioner Burnett is a native of Bell County. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Union College and holds a teaching certification in secondary education. Burnett is also a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute Session #46. Since serving with KSP, he has received multiple awards including Post Trooper of the Year, the Citation for Bravery, the Commissioner’s Award, and back-to-back Governor’s Awards for Impaired Driving Enforcement. He currently resides in Pineville with his wife and two sons.

QUOTE:

“The KSP Foundation plays an important role in supporting the men and women of the Kentucky State Police as well as their families.  Such support strengthens public safety across our Commonwealth and I sincerely thank each board member for their  unwavering efforts.”

Sherry Bray — Public Affairs Office (Ex-Officio)

Spokesperson, Kentucky State Police

Sherry Bray is the Spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and is a 24-year veteran of the agency. She is responsible for all strategic communications for the agency, including media relations, recruitment marketing, event coordination, and management of KSP's digital outreach platforms. Bray provides in-service training for agency personnel and has been published nationally on various law enforcement topics. She received her B.S. from Ohio State University.

QUOTE:

I have seen firsthand this Foundation's impact on the Kentucky State Police. They have provided funding for equipment, training, and employee wellness and are the first to reach out when an employee is injured or facing serious illness. The agency is better due to the support of the KSP Foundation.

Sergeant Matt Sudduth — Public Affairs Branch Commander (Ex-Officio)

Kentucky State Police

KSPF Board Member Sgt. Matt Sudduth was raised in Anderson County and is a 2010 graduate of Campbellsville University, where he served as the Senior Class President. His professional career as a State Trooper for the Kentucky State Police began upon graduating from KSP Cadet Class 92 in January 2015. He worked at Post 5 in Campbellsburg, KY, for nearly six years – five years as a patrol Trooper and one as the Public Affairs Officer.

In December of 2020, he accepted a position with the KSP Public Affairs Branch at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort and currently serves as the Public Affairs Branch Commander. He resides in Shelby County with his wife, Jordan, and two young children. Since his time with the KSP Public Affairs Branch, Sgt. Sudduth has directly supported and participated in numerous fundraising and other events with the KSP Foundation. Having lost two KSP Academy Class 92 classmates in line-of-duty deaths – Tpr. Cameron Ponder and Tpr. Eric Chrisman – Sgt. Sudduth has witnessed and joined in the efforts of the KSPF to honor their service and sacrifice.

QUOTE:

“It’s a great honor to serve as a board member with the Kentucky State Police Foundation, an organization that recognizes the needs of and genuinely appreciates the Kentucky State Police. This outstanding group is committed to supporting the agency I hold dear. When there is a void or a need for the agency, the KSPF leans in to find ways to help. I appreciate these efforts and am proud to have the opportunity to serve alongside this board and to do my part to fulfill the mission of the KSPF.”

Alison Chavies – Executive Director

 

A native of Tennessee, Chavies relocated to Richmond, Kentucky in 2003 to attend Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Business and Marketing and her Master of Science in Juvenile Justice Studies and Adult Corrections.

Chavies brings a strong legal and public service background to her work. She began her career as a Paralegal in the Madison County Attorney’s Office and went on to serve in several key roles within state government. Most recently, she worked in the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General as Executive Staff Advisor and Grant Specialist for the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Prior to that, she served as an Investigative Paralegal and Administrative Assistant to the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.

Deeply connected to the Kentucky State Police community, Chavies is married to a KSP Captain currently serving in the DE/SI East division. They reside in Madison County with their two sons and two dogs.

QUOTE:

"As a Trooper’s wife for the past ten years, this role is deeply personal to me. I have seen firsthand the sacrifices our Troopers, KSP personnel, and their families make, and I am committed to ensuring the Foundation remains a strong, reliable partner for the Kentucky State Police. KSP has a long and proud tradition of service. I am committed to strengthening our support for the troopers, officers, and employees who protect and serve our communities daily, without hesitation. ”