Landon Borders is the Sr. Executive Director of R&D Partnerships, Product Management and Technology Development for UK Innovate. He leads efforts to support industry partnerships and economic development objectives for research and innovation at UK, including in alignment with Kentucky’s priority industries as well as UK’s Research Priority areas. Additionally, he and his team support new technology, process and product development initiatives for UK HealthCare. Landon is also the founding Director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance, a global consortium dedicated to discovering, advancing and promoting the virtues of estate-produced whiskey and Chief Ecosystem Officer of GAME Change, which is building America’s first regional innovation hub for circular manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

For over twenty years, Landon has been a leading innovator of new products and technologies that have made a lasting impact on Kentucky industries. Previously, he was the Director of Product Development at Bullard with responsibility for global patent portfolio, technology development and new product introductions leading multi-discipline design and engineering teams across the globe. Prior to Bullard, Landon worked at Big Ass Fans and Lexmark International where he developed and commercialized internet-connected devices, software solutions and imaging systems in various roles. Landon has served on the Advisory Board for Launch Blue, as Board Director for Thread Group, The Connected Lighting Alliance and JSRDF and is a proud UK graduate with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

Dr. Amanda Gumbert is an Extension Specialist for Water Quality in the Forestry & Natural Resources Department at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment (M-G CAFE). She leads a team of extension professionals who provide technical assistance, education, and outreach programs on agricultural water quality issues, conservation practices, and backyard stream stewardship. Amanda attributes her passion for agriculture, conservation, and the natural world to inspirational teachers and growing up on a farm in Robertson County, Kentucky.

Colette is the MS4 Program Manager at Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) working in their Development and Stormwater Services Department. Colette has been an active Innovation Team Member at MSD since its initiation and is passionate about education and outreach both internally and with the public. She is a graduate of Washington State University and has worked in both consulting and state government before coming to work at MSD. Colette is currently the WEF Stormwater Community Second Vice Chair, ASCE Region 4 Governor and the 2026 Infrastructure Report Card Chair.

Pete Fingerson is passionate about all things Kentucky, especially the Red River Gorge. He and his wife, Aubrey, moved out to a 42-acre piece of heaven near the Red River Gorge back in 2020. He has served as the Executive Director for the Powell County Tourism Commission since 2023 and also operates the Red River Gorge Visitor Center at Slade. Since his time with the commission, he has made it his personal mission to implement sustainability initiatives wherever possible. He has a deep love for the outdoors and the Red River Gorge in particular, so trying to preserve the integrity and culture of the area is of utmost importance. One of his major accomplishments was getting a 22.5KW solar panel system (and 2 level 2 EV chargers) installed, making Powell County Tourism Commission the only tourism organization in the entire commonwealth to become net zero in terms of energy consumption. He loves hiking, being outside as much as possible, spending time with his wife and cats, playing board games, and Lord of the Rings.

Chloe Brantley’s professional experience includes water policy and regulation, water resources management, water/wastewater infrastructure, and project interface between federal, state, regional, and local agencies. Chloe has held various roles for URS Corporation in the Western United States, Kentucky Division of Water, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District. She is currently serving as a source water specialist for Kentucky Rural Water Association and her background is Ecology & Sustainability and Environmental Studies.