We’re celebrating 25 years of serving Kentucky agriculture by highlighting the people behind KCARD!
Kati Bowman, Marketing & Business Development Specialist, has been part of KCARD for over eight years and has seen firsthand how the organization has grown to better serve producers and agribusinesses across the state.
“KCARD’s impact is its ability to serve as a trusted, neutral partner—always keeping producers’ best interests at the center of its work. ”
Q: How long have you been with KCARD and what made you decide to work at KCARD?
A: I’ve been with KCARD for a total of eight and a half years. I first joined the organization in 2014 as a Business Development Assistant. After a brief time working as a marketing coordinator within a regional hospital system, I realized that while I valued that experience, my true passion has always been food and agriculture—and KCARD’s work sits right at that intersection.
Q: What drew you to work at KCARD? What keeps you motivated in your role?
A: KCARD was an important launching point in my career, but it was the mission and emphasis on community building that initially drew me in. What continues to motivate me today is seeing the real, tangible impact our work has on clients’ businesses, their livelihoods, and the broader agricultural industry in Kentucky.
Q: How have you seen KCARD evolve or grow during your time here?
A: KCARD has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of producers and agribusinesses by expanding services and growing our team as demand has increased. When I started, we were a small team of seven, and my role as a Business Development Assistant supported all service areas while also handling administrative tasks. Today, we have multiple Business Development Assistants and a dedicated Administrative Assistant—an important milestone that reflects both our growth and our commitment to providing high-quality support as a nonprofit organization.
Q: What’s a moment that made you proud to be part of KCARD?
A: Recently, KCARD was recognized in reports and audits conducted by partner organizations. While I’ve always known we make an impact, seeing our work highlighted externally—especially for how our collaboration strengthened outcomes—really put the breadth of our influence into perspective. It reinforced that even small connections with producers and partners can lead to meaningful, lasting impact.
Q: What excites you about KCARD’s future?
A: I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as KCARD continues to grow and adapt alongside the needs of producers. We’ve expanded and refined our services in response to those needs, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to support Kentucky’s agricultural and food industries—both now and in the years to come.