Committee Members 2025-2026

Alan Herrick has called Rutherfordton, North Carolina home for the past 38 years. After a career spanning more than 35 years in psychiatric and behavioral health services and educational programs, he retired in 2025. He now serves the community as the Bicycle Education Coordinator for the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and represents the Town of Rutherfordton as a Town Councilman. 

Jeff Burchett resides in London, KY, serving as the Director of the Christian Appalachian Project for over 30 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.

Brandon Kidd is proud to serve as Principal of Prestonsburg High School, entering his first year in the role after four years as Assistant Principal. He brings a strong commitment to student success and school culture, along with nine years of experience as the Girls Basketball Coach, where he became the program’s all-time winningest coach. Mr. Kidd is married to Amanda Kidd, a counselor at DACE, and they have two children, Kylie and Brayden. He believes that “we have the greatest gift in the world—and that’s the ability to change lives,” a belief that guides his leadership and dedication to the Blackcat community. Mr. Kidd is honored to serve the Prestonsburg High School family and proudly supports the tradition of excellence. Hail Blackcats. 

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.