Lonnie Lawson

President & CEO
The Center for Rural Development

In 1977, Lonnie entered the coal industry as a Purchasing Agent for Ikerd-Bandy Co. he continued his education while working the full-time job. Lonnie was soon transferred into the accounting department of Ikerd-Bandy where he was promoted to Controller and later promoted to Vice-president of Finance in 1985.

In October of 1997, after twenty years in the coal industry, Lonnie accepted the position of Director of Business & Finance at The Center for Rural Development. Then, in October of the following year, he assumed the duties of The Center’s General Manager.

From September of 2001 through April of 2002, Lonnie capably served as The Center’s Interim Executive Director, General Manager and Business Director.

And on April 11, 2002, accepted the position he holds today of Center President & CEO.

In his community, Lonnie…

…has served as Vice President on the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce board. …has served on Citizens National Bank Waitsboro Branch Advisory Board and as a non-profit representative on Citizen’s National Bank Economic Advisory Committee. …has served on the Master Musicians Festival Board and the McCreary County Prison Community Relations Board, as well as the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation.

Lonnie is currently a member of Kiwanis International and in 2006 was elected to the boards of Forward in the Fifth and Leadership Kentucky. He also holds several leadership positions at First Christian Church in Somerset.