Photo by: Renee Rhodes

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Fort Knox Leaders selected Hardin County Chamber of Commerce  President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Richardson as the 2017 Fort Knox Gold Neighbor Award recipient at last night’s Community Partnership Dinner.

Presented annually at the dinner hosted by Fort Knox, the award recognizes members of the community who are instrumental in fostering the strong partnership between the installation and surrounding communities.

Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Aiton cited Richardson’s leadership of One Knox and the chamber as vital to Fort Knox. Aiton referred to the “red carpet treatment” Richardson led while overseeing multiple road shows and hosting more than a dozen community tours for families transitioning to the region.

“Brad has been a trusted and admired teammate for many years,” said Aiton. “Because of him, this installation and region are better off today.”

Aiton said that Richardson was also instrumental in securing more than $250 million from the state for various infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate the growth at Fort Knox and surrounding communities.

Richardson expressed shock and surprise when Aiton and Brig. Gen. Robert Bennett presented him with the new gold jacket.

“Working with Fort Knox on these initiatives has been the most rewarding work of my professional career,” said Richardson. “This is truly such a great honor.”

Richardson joins a small group of community leaders to receive the honor including Carl, Bob, Jan, Bill and the late Betty Swope; Barbara Proffitt and her late husband Ronnie; Charlie Thurman and his late wife Claudia; Erika and Gene Gudenkauf; Greg Milby; Hollie Sexton; Randy Acton; Charlotte Masterson; James Ramsey, PhD; and Nannette Johnston.

“We could not be prouder of Brad and are grateful for his leadership,” said Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman John Wright.