Harlan Co. native up for major statewide award

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - A Harlan County native is up for a major award.

Executive Director of Visit Harlan County Tourist and Convention Commission, Brandon Pennington, is a finalist for the Kentucky Chamber’s Young Professional. He is one of six people up for the title. He is the only finalist from Eastern Kentucky.

“I was entirely grateful and humbled by it,” Pennington said. “To even be considered as the young professional of the year by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is such an honor.”

Pennington said he was nominated by his Downtown Development Director. He said he did not expect to be up for this award.

“Growing up, especially in the heart of Appalachia, you face stereotypes, and to be considered for an award that is on such a high platform across the Commonwealth, it is just truly an honor.”

If Pennington wins, he will be recognized at the 2025 Young Professional Summit, statewide through social media, and highlighted in a press release for Kentucky media.

Public voting will run through July 1. The winner will be recognized at the Young Professionals Summit on July 25 in Louis

For more details on how you can vote for Pennington, you can go here.