County Line - Winter 2026
51st KACo Conference & Exposition recap
2026-03-05 06:23:58
LEADING THE WAY
The 51st Annual KACo Conference and Exposition welcomed more than 1,000 county stakeholders to Louisville, all with the same mission: to help make counties stronger. With the theme Leading the Way, the conference featured informative presentations on artificial intelligence, crisis communications, social media, cybersecurity and more.
Conference attendees voted in not one but two elections for positions on the KACo Executive Committee, with Green County PVA Sean Curry and Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Ammer Riley winning the support of their peers.
During the conference banquet, Union County Judge/Executive Adam O’Nan took the oath of office as 2025-26 KACo President surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful conference. With county leaders at the helm, KACo looks forward to a year of progress for counties across the commonwealth.
First PVA, Green County official elected 1st vice president
In the time that Sean Curry has been involved with the Kentucky Association of Counties, he’s always wanted to support a property valuation administrator taking on a bigger role within the organization.
“I just didn’t think it would be me,” said Curry, who is the PVA for Green County.
Curry was elected 1st Vice President of KACo during the annual conference. He is the first PVA to serve on KACo’s Executive Committee, and he's the first elected county official from Green County to hold a committee seat.
“I’ve been going to KACo conferences for 15 years, and ever since I started going, I’ve wanted our (PVA) association to be more active and to have a PVA on the executive committee, and there was an opportunity that came along,” he said. “I went for it and had the support of all the PVA Association. I could not have done this without them.”
Curry is currently in his fourth term as Green County PVA.
“I am a true believer that a stronger Kentucky starts at the county level,” Curry said. “There is no more rewarding job than that of a locally elected official, and I’m blessed to serve Green County.”
According to PVA President/Carlisle County PVA Jonathan Bruer, PVAs play a large role in county government, and they stand alongside affiliates ensuring communities are served well.
“We are honored to bring our piece of the local government puzzle to the forefront of county leadership in serving alongside the leadership and staff at KACo,” Bruer said.
Bruer said that Curry cares deeply about people.
“The evidence is shown through his work in Green County and the PVA Association,” Bruer said. “Sean has spent time developing relationships with the Kentucky Legislature and elected officials.
“For the PVAs, Sean remains vigilant regarding any legislation and budget concerns that may affect PVAs and our deputies. His insight and forward thinking will undoubtedly be an asset to KACo’s leadership team.,” Bruer added. “We look forward to stronger partnerships with our fellow affiliates to better serve our counties and commonwealth. We value the strength of the KACo organization, and I know Sean is grateful along with the PVA association for this opportunity.”
Curry previously served as president of the Kentucky Chapter of International Association of Assessing Officers, and as PVA legislative vice president. He is the current executive vice president for PVAs.
“As an experienced PVA, Sean is bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table as KACo continues our advocacy for initiatives and policies that strengthen county government,” KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson said.
Curry’s community service includes the Greensburg Rotary Club, Leadership Green County, the Greensburg-Green County Chamber of Commerce, Green County Cattlemen’s Association and Green County Industrial Foundation.
“I look forward over the next several years to working with my fellow committee members and colleagues across the state,” Curry said. “I want to learn and contribute what I can, not only to make Green County a better place, but all 120 counties. That's our overall goal as elected officials. We strive to give back to our communities and make sure everyone’s lives are better.”
Ammer Riley brings leadership, experience to 2nd VP role
When assessing how to head into 2025 a year ago, Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Ammer Riley jotted down one of her goals was to seek out the office of KACo 2nd Vice President.
Mission accomplished.
Ammer Riley earned the vote of her fellow county officials as she was elected 2nd Vice President of KACo. “I love our commonwealth. I love helping others,” Ammer Riley said. “I know we are blessed with more than we deserve, especially with being able to call Kentucky home. Serving on our KACo executive board gives me the opportunity to not only be engaged at a broader level but also to help play a role to strengthen counties across the commonwealth.
“I am passionate about strengthening our counties and supporting their unique needs,” Ammer Riley added. "As an experienced third-term magistrate, staying actively engaged both locally and at the statewide level has always been important to me.”
Ammer Riley currently serves on KACo’s Unemployment Insurance Board and the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Board of Directors.
In the time that they both have served as magistrates, Rich Liebe, Christian County magistrate and KMCA president, said he always has been impressed by Ammer Riley’s dedication and collaborative efforts in advocating for county needs.
“She’s a great board member of KMCA, and she’s very thoughtful,” Liebe said. “She will be a great asset to the KACo Board, too, because she has the ability to bring people together in meaningful ways. She equally has the ability to lead. She’s just fantastic as far as I’m concerned.”
Last fall, Ammer Riley testified with KACo before the General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Local Government — an experience she said strengthened her commitment to seeking united solutions on issues faced by county governments.
“My recent experience of bringing the Grant County perspective to Frankfort deepened my conviction to work toward impactful legislative solutions that could benefit the entire commonwealth,” Ammer Riley said.
KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson said Ammer Riley’s leadership, advocacy and professional experience will be an asset to the association.
“Jacqalynn brings a wealth of knowledge in her role as a magistrate and has already hit the ground running when it comes to building valuable relationships in Frankfort and telling the county story,” Henderson said. “I’m excited to add her energy and experience to our advocacy efforts.”
For nearly two decades, Ammer Riley has worked in human resources with Proctor & Gamble. She and her family enjoy living on their farm, raising beef cattle, hunting, fishing, and owning and operating two small businesses in Grant County.
“My mission in life is to help others to reach their fullest potential,” Ammer Riley said. “Through communication, collaboration and relationship-building, I am committed to making meaningful contributions to KACo and my fellow county officials. Together, I believe we can continue moving forward and empower Kentucky’s counties and the constituents we serve to thrive.”
For more conference highlights, scan the QR code:
SAVE THE DATE 52nd Annual Conference and Exposition Nov. 18-20, 2026 Central Bank Center Lexington
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