FANCY FARM, Ky. — President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Ashli Watts, will serve as the emcee for the political speaking event at the 145th annual St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, said St. Jerome Picnic organizers in a news release.

The Fancy Farm event has long served as a stage for spirited political discourse and civic engagement.

Watts brings more than a decade of experience in public policy and business leadership to the podium, making her a natural fit to moderate one of the state’s most iconic political traditions, organizers said.

President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Ashli Watts, will serve as the emcee for the political speaking event at the 145th annual St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. (St. Jerome Catholic Church)

Watts joined the Kentucky Chamber in 2012 and became its president and CEO in 2019. She has played a key role in the passage of landmark legislation including felony expungement, right-to-work and tax reform measures. Prior to her work at the Chamber, she served at the Kentucky Bar Association and the Legislative Research Commission.

Watts, a Kentucky native, holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Campbellsville University and a Master’s in public policy and administration from the University of Louisville. She serves on several prestigious boards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of State Chambers, the Louisville Orchestra and chairs the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100.

“Ashli’s experience and poise make her the ideal choice to guide this year’s political speaking,” said Steven Elder, political chairperson of the Picnic. “Her leadership and deep understanding of Kentucky’s political landscape will bring energy, fairness and insight to this year’s event.”

Watts lives in Frankfort with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, Emma and Carter.

The 145th St. Jerome Picnic will take place Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. The political speaking event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CST.