Candance Castlen Brake was honored Thursday morning during her final Rooster Booster breakfast as president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, a role she has held since 2015.
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson presented Brake with a key to the city, and State Representative Suzanne Miles delivered a citation of appreciation from the Kentucky House of Representatives.
“Candance has been an amazing community partner in so many capacities for many years to me professionally and personally,” Miles said. “So special to get to appreciate her today and so excited to watch for her future.”
Brake also received national recognition, with tributes read into the Congressional Record by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie. Both lawmakers praised Brake’s long-standing dedication to the Owensboro community and her leadership at the Chamber.
Guthrie called Brake “a staple in the community,” citing her decades of work to bring new investments and opportunities to Owensboro and Daviess County. He highlighted her tenure as Deputy Judge-Executive, her time as a government professor at Western Kentucky University, and her three terms as a city commissioner.
“Under her leadership, the city has seen tremendous growth, the transformation of the Owensboro riverfront, and so much more,” Guthrie said. “Her efforts have, without a doubt, contributed to the success we see in Owensboro today.”
McConnell echoed those sentiments, calling Brake “a force of nature” who inspired community leaders to “think big.” He praised her advocacy for key infrastructure improvements, including the widening of KY 54, the lighting of the Owensboro Bridge, and the expansion of countywide broadband.
Chamber Board Chair Olga McKissic introduced Brake with a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on her accomplishments and personal impact.
“Candace’s true legacy is not measured by titles or accolades,” McKissic said. “It is defined by her deep love of Owensboro and her genuine heart for the people.”
Brake became emotional as she addressed the crowd, thanking small business owners, community leaders, and her Chamber staff for their support.
“This role has been one of the biggest privileges I’ve had besides being a wife and a mom,” she said. “To come to work every day and hear your dreams, that’s what makes this Chamber strong.”
Brake emphasized her roots in a small business family and how that shaped her mission to make the Chamber more inclusive.
“My grandparents owned a welding shop and a grocery, and they never felt welcome in the Chamber,” she said. “But now, this Chamber is truly open to everybody. The more of us that come together, put our shoulders down and work, the more this community will continue to move forward.”
Brake announced in May that she would step down later this year to relocate with her husband, Nick, to be closer to their adult children.
She began her career at the Chamber in 1993 and later served as executive vice president before being elected to public office. During her tenure as Chamber CEO, she oversaw leadership programs, expanded talent development efforts, and strengthened state and federal advocacy.
Among her accomplishments are the relaunch of Leadership Owensboro, the creation of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, and the establishment of new programs for executive and civic engagement.
Brake said she is confident the Chamber is in good hands and encouraged young people to step into leadership roles.
“When you feel that call, listen to it,” she said. “This community is special. We figure things out. Just keep showing up and working together.”
Dave Kirk has been named as Brake’s successor.
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times