Business/Organization Represented:
Algonquin/Hallmark Neighborhoods

Desmond Smith Jr. is the owner of Smith Residential Construction and Foreignly_Proper Tattoos. Desmond is an entrepreneur with an artistic background. He was born and raised in West Louisville.

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Business/Organization Represented:
Rebublic Bank

William E. Summers, V is a 28-year veteran of the banking and financial industry. He started his career in 1995 with Great Financial Bank as a teller, quickly rising to be the branch manager of the location at 28th and Broadway. Before leaving the bank for another opportunity, Mr. Summer’s relationship-management skills were clearly recognized as a strength that people inside and outside of the organization noticed.

In 2004, Mr. Summers joined Old National Bank, a community bank headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, which was a new entrant into the Louisville market. During his time at Old National, Mr. Summers continued building his book of business, focusing more on corporate relationships while also becoming even more deeply involved in community activities. Mr. Summer’s proven record of producing and his ability to build relationships created a lot of opportunities. In 2005, he joined Central Bank of Jefferson County to start, what would become, a very successful private banking division, thanks in large part to Mr. Summer’s efforts. His success was rewarded by being promoted to a Senior Vice President at Central Bank, overseeing the retail banking and business development for the bank. Mr. Summers was with Central Bank of Jefferson County for 10 years, before he joined Republic Bank in 2015. Currently, Mr. Summers serves in the role of Senior Vice President/Chief Community/Business Development Officer of Republic Bank, overseeing the Republic’s corporate community engagement and Business Development efforts.

Mr. Summers serves on various boards in the community and continues to work with organizations that are committed to making our community better for all. He has an MBA from Bellarmine University, where he serves on their business advisory board, as well. Mr. Summers is a member of the Westport Road Church of Christ and has a daughter, Avery Elizabeth Summers (17), and a son, William E Summers, VI (10).

Business/Organization Represented:
Commonwealth of Kentucky

Jeff Noel was appointed secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in June 2022.

He is responsible for the development and administration of executive policies designed to support and promote the attraction of new jobs and investment to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, maintenance of existing industries, and overall support of economic growth for the state.

Noel previously served as Whirlpool’s corporate vice president of Communications and Public Affairs, reporting to the Chairman and CEO, a position he held since 2004. He also served as the president of Whirlpool Foundation, which includes oversight of the company’s 20-year relationship with Habitat for Humanity which has touched over 200,000 families.