Kentucky Coal Association Names Sam McKown as President and Executive Director

Published: September 10, 2025 |

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Sam McKown
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The Kentucky Coal Association has selected Sam McKown as its new president and executive director.

“I am excited to build on and continue the vital mission of the Kentucky Coal Association,” said Sam McKown.

“A cornerstone industry of the Commonwealth, coal not only powers Kentucky, but it supports thousands of jobs from one end of our state to the other. I look forward to working with KCA members as well as leaders in both Washington and Frankfort to move the industry forward,” added McKown.

Most recently, Sam McKown was a national political consultant and pollster. In 2023, he served as Political Director for U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s presidential campaign. He has also served as an aide to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) in Washington, D.C., and as an aide to Governor Bevin in Kentucky.

Sam grew up in Ohio County, Kentucky, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

The Kentucky Coal Association mission is to provide effective leadership for the coal industry, ultimately enhancing the ability of the Kentucky coal industry to compete in domestic and world coal markets. Their membership represents both Eastern and Western Kentucky operations that mine coal through surface and underground methods. This diversity helps them build a consensus approach in problem solving and proactively works to resolve the complex issues facing the coal industry.

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