Committee Members 2023-2024

 Alan Herrick has devoted the past 36 years to residing in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. With a career spanning more than 25 years in Psychiatric Behavioral Health Services, he now plays a role in an Early College High School program. This unique high school initiative enables students to concurrently enroll in college, allowing them to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree within a four-year timeframe. 

Jeff Burchett resides in London, KY, serving as the Director of the Christian Appalachian Project for the past 34 years. Apart from his professional commitments, he indulges in bass fishing and cherishes moments spent with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

Mark Chaffins, graduate of Prestonsburg High School Class of 1978, earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. After becoming a Certified Public Accountant he worked in the restaurant sector in Cincinnati, Ohio for years. He later moved to the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Currently, he holds the position of CFO at the Hangout Hospitality Group, managing nine restaurants and various other ventures. Moreover, the Hangout Hospitality Group is responsible for hosting the yearly Hangout Music Festival.

Paul Ackerman (aka:  Ack), Blackcat Class of 1978.  Following high school, Ack’s career path included graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, serving in the USAF, flying fighters for 28 years, working as an executive for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee for 8 years, then returning to the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates and Foundation leading multiple philanthropic programs for the last 5 years.  He currently resides in Indiana and Colorado. 

 Sherry Fredlock completed her high school education at Prestonsburg High School in 1978 and then went on to enroll at Prestonsburg Community College in the same year. From the autumn of 1979 until 1982, she worked in her husband's family business in Prestonsburg. Sherry then established her own business, Sherry's Shoes, in Prestonsburg, managing it until 1988 when she sold the business. She actively participated in the Prestonsburg Junior Woman's Club for years. She resumed her studies at Prestonsburg Community College before transferring to the University of Kentucky in Lexington. By the spring of 1991, she had earned a B.S. in Human Environmental Science from the University of Kentucky, with a focus on Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles. Sherry graduated with honors and received an assistantship, assisting her professor in the Textile Lab. Sherry retired in May 2023 and now resides in  Lexington, Kentucky.

 Ricky Thacker is a committed educator with a profound enthusiasm for mathematics. He completed his high school education at East Ridge High School in 2003 and obtained his degree from the University of Pikeville in 2007. With over ten years of experience instructing Algebra I, Ricky ventured into educational administration, assuming the role of Assistant Principal for four years before advancing to Principal for an additional three years. Beyond his professional endeavors, he values spending quality time with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Braden and Isabella.

Amy Hughes is a seasoned School Counselor at Prestonsburg High School with 24 years of experience in the education field. She has a passion for working with kids to help them see their self-worth and to help them reach their personal and academic goals.  Born and raised in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, she is a 1991 graduate of Prestonsburg High School.  Amy earned a BS in Chemistry and Secondary Education from Pikeville College and a MA and Rank I in School Counseling from Morehead State University.  Outside of work, Amy and her husband, Rick, enjoy traveling, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and being involved in the community.