Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

2025-26 KACo President


Adam O'Nan
Union County Judge/Executive

With the support of hundreds of county elected officials from across the Commonwealth, Union County Judge/Executive Adam O’Nan has been installed as the 2025-26 President of the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo). He was sworn in Nov. 13, 2025 during the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition.

“KACo’s guidance, support and advocacy for counties have been invaluable, and I’m honored to give back to this organization and our members,” O’Nan said. “A life of purpose in serving others and our communities is a noble and worthwhile calling, and KACo is there every step of the way to help county officials in that service.

“As KACo President, I’m committed to pushing for real solutions to address rising costs for counties, strengthening relationships with state leaders, and lifting up the work of counties across our great Commonwealth.”

O’Nan was appointed Union County judge/executive in 2018 and is now serving in his second full term. He joined the KACo Executive Committee in 2022 after being elected by his fellow county officials, and since then has taken an active role in shaping statewide policy discussions.

“KACo looks forward to Judge O’Nan’s servant leadership approach; he lives out public service every day, understanding the issues impacting counties firsthand,” said KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson. “He has the trust and respect of his fellow county officials, as well as decision-makers in Frankfort and Washington. Judge O’Nan will be an effective representative for county leaders across the Commonwealth.”

State legislators also praised O’Nan’s leadership and collaboration.

“As an approachable leader who cares about people, Judge O’Nan will be a great leader for KACo. Congratulations to my friend on this important role,” said Sen. Robby Mills.

“When I met Judge O’Nan, I recognized he was someone that wanted to serve his community,” said Rep. Suzanne Miles. “He was the right person Union County needed to go forward. As he accepts this new responsibility with KACo, same as before, he’s the right person to take KACo in a great journey forward. We should all thank him and join him to help Kentucky be better than when we started.”

Rooted in his Union County upbringing, O’Nan grew up on a family farm in Sturgis, where the O’Nans raised corn, soybeans, hay crops, hogs and cattle. Before entering public service, he joined his father as a partner in Land O’Nan Farms, helping expand the operation over three decades. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in accounting.

O’Nan is the first Union Countian to serve as KACo President. Serving with him on the 2025-26 KACo Executive Committee are Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon (President-elect), Green County PVA Sean Curry (1st Vice President), Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Ammer Riley (2nd Vice President) and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley (Immediate Past President).

 


Past presidents

2025
Dan Mosley
Judge/Executive, Harlan County

2024
David Livingston
Magistrate, Scott County

2023
Amy Chandler
Warren County Attorney

2022
Phil Sammons
Magistrate, Boyle County

2021
Reagan Taylor
Judge/Executive, Madison County

2020
Gary Moore
Judge/Executive, Boone County

2019
Elbert Bennett
Magistrate, Caldwell County 


2018
David Nicholson
Circuit Court Clerk, Jefferson County

2017
Bruce Todd
Magistrate, Henderson County 

2016
Jim Henderson
Judge/Executive, Simpson County

2015
Hubert Pollett
Magistrate, Shelby County 

2014
Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines
Sheriff, Warren County 

2013, 1997
Tommy Turner
Judge/Executive, LaRue County

2012
John Wilson
Judge/Executive, Garrard County

2011
Chris Harris
Magistrate, Pike County

2010
Rick Smith
Magistrate, Clark County

2009
J. Michael Foster
County Attorney, Christian County 

2008
David Jenkins
Judge/Executive, Spencer County

2007
Tony Carriss
Magistrate, Shelby County

2006
Tony Wilder
Judge/Executive, Boyle County 

2005
F.J. “Bear” Finn
Commissioner, Mason County

2004
Jim Townsend        
Judge/Executive, Webster County

2003
Hugh McCormick
Magistrate, Henderson County 

2002
Wayne Gunnell
Magistrate, Henry County

2001
Larry Whitaker
Judge/Executive, McLean County 

2000
Sandy Lee Watkins
Judge/Executive, Henderson County 

1999
Robert Samples 
Magistrate, Shelby County 

1998
Kent Clark
Judge/Executive, Madison County

1996
Jerry Stewart          
Commissioner, Graves County 

1995
Freddie Combs
Magistrate, Perry County

1995
Bob Arnold 
Judge/Executive, Franklin County

1994
Harold Robinson
Magistrate, Franklin County

1993
Nina Mooney          
County Clerk, Bullitt County

1992
David H. Pribble 
Judge/Executive, Pendleton County

1991
Sherman Neace
Judge/Executive, Perry County

1990
Terry O. McKinney
Judge/Executive, Lyon County

1989
Kenneth Y. Harper 
Judge/Executive, Simpson County

1988
Robert T. Harrod
Judge/Executive, Franklin County

1987
Sue Carole Perry 
County Clerk, Shelby County

1986
Mike Abell   
Judge/Executive, Nelson County

1984-85
John Weaver 
Commissioner, Boone County

1982-83
Betty Jo Denton Heick      
County Clerk, Bourbon County

1980-81
Mike Miller 
Judge/Executive, Marshall County

1978-79
Harry G. Hoffman II 
Judge/Executive, Montgomery County

1976-77
Robert B. Aldemeyer        
Commissioner, Kenton County

1975
Robert O. Miller 
Judge/Executive, Calloway County

1974
Robert F. Stephens 
Judge/Executive, Fayette County