County Line • Winter 2026 • Relationship officers bring experience, dedication to new program

KACo is continually seeking new and meaningful ways to support its membership. In an evolving political landscape, county leaders are juggling more responsibility than ever.

After thoughtful discussions with members across Kentucky and inspiration by the proven success of similar efforts at the Texas Association of Counties, KACo has launched the Relationship Officer Program.

This program is about connection, accessibility and strengthening the partnership between KACo and the officials we proudly serve.

This new initiative will leverage prior county officials as a front-line resource for our members. KACo relationship officers will offer practical insights, guidance and support grounded in real-world experience.

Our relationship officers are peers who have put their names on the ballots, balanced budgets, made tough calls, and navigated the day-to-day realities of serving their counties.

Because of their firsthand experience, they understand not only the technical responsibilities of county leadership but the pressures, challenges and opportunities that come with the job. Whether you have a question about tax administration, need to bounce around ideas or want to discuss a capital project, your relationship officer is here to help.

Relationship officers also will be a key link in ensuring county officials stay informed about KACo resources, upcoming events and training, and advocacy efforts. At the same time, they will offer a dedicated forum for feedback, enabling KACo to enhance its services and address county needs promptly.

The purpose of the program is simple: ensuring counties have direct, reliable and knowledgeable support at their fingertips.

Relationship officers will be traveling throughout the state, visiting courthouses, attending fiscal court meetings and engaging in local events. They are always a call, text or email away. They look forward to seeing you in your office soon!

Rick Stiltner, Former Menifee County Judge/Executive

Rick Stiltner served as judge/executive of Menifee County from 2015-25, bringing decades of public service and leadership to the county’s fiscal court.

Before entering local government, he had a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Kentucky State Police, rising through nearly every rank to become colonel and ultimately deputy commissioner before retiring in 2007.

As judge/executive, Stiltner championed collaboration between Menifee County and the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex to provide meaningful work opportunities for inmates nearing release.

He also was heavily involved in regional development efforts: In 2024, he was elected chairman of the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts, representing the Gateway Area Development District. Stiltner served on the KACo Board of Directors from 2017-25 and also served on the Audit Committee from 2023-25.

Hollis Alexander, Former Trigg County Judge/Executive

Hollis Alexander has dedicated more than 35 years to serving the residents of Trigg County and the surrounding region in a variety of leadership roles. After a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, including 16 years as chief of police for Cadiz, Alexander was elected Trigg County judge/executive in 2013. During his 10 years as judge, he oversaw major upgrades to the Recreation Complex, the Indoor Practice Facility, and the relocation and renovation of the Sheriff’s Office, while also completing a full renovation of the E911 call center. He improved infrastructure countywide, replacing bridges, enhancing road safety and modernizing equipment for the road department.

Alexander helped stabilize and support the county hospital during a critical period, including issuing a $2 million county bond in 2016, made possible through guidance and partnership with KACo. He served on the KACo Board from 2019-22, valuing the organization’s training, resources and unmatched statewide network.