Kentucky to the World names new interim executive director for Louisville nonprofit
Nonprofit leadership change ushers in fundraising and development expert
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Kentucky to the World (KTW) today announced that Alice K. Alt will lead the nonprofit as interim executive director. The change in leadership comes after the passing of the late founder and executive director, Shelly Zegart, who had served KTW since 2012. During her tenure, Zegart helped transform the non-profit from an arts and culture organization into a mission-driven initiative, helping to elevate Kentucky's reputation, workforce development and economic potential.
“Kentucky to the World is moving thoughtfully into this next chapter with care and attention,” said Alt. “While no one can replace Shelly, I’m looking forward to working with the existing team and continuing the iterations and legacy set forth by elevating Kentucky voices and shining a light on the Kentucky thread woven through global stories. In today’s digital age, narrative is infrastructure. How Kentucky presents itself in the world and how we tell our stories directly impact our ability to attract and retain talent, inspire investment, strengthen the economy and city workforce and foster statewide pride. ”
Alt brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, donor relations, advocacy, and strategic communications skills to KTW with proven success in leading multimillion-dollar campaigns and working with national donors and funders. Most recently, Alt was part of the Kentucky College of Art + Design (KyCAD) team as the vice president, advancement and fundraising, where she helped secure more than $5.5 million in public funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the city of Louisville. Prior to her time in Louisville, Alt worked for the United States Marshals Museum Foundation (USMM) located in Fort Smith, AR. Alt helped build the fiscal support of USMM, a $50 million capital campaign goal, from the project’s inception.
At KTW, Alt will continue to cultivate high-impact partnerships, aligning institutional goals with innovative strategies and collaborating with similar mission-focused stakeholders and efforts at the local, state and national levels.
“KTW’s mission has never been more relevant as we work to shape the narrative that drives Kentucky’s economic and workforce development for generations to come,” said Sam Ford, board chair of Kentucky to the World. “As we enter into this new chapter with respect and consideration, our top priority will always be to continue the mission Shelly fostered, and we look forward to the lasting impact we will witness under Alice’s leadership.”
One of Alt’s first actions as interim executive director was to establish the Shelly Zegart Tribute Fund, which honors Zegart’s enduring legacy.
To learn more about Kentucky to the World, upcoming programs, and other initiatives, visit the website, follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribe to the KTW newsletter.
For more information:
Nora Bryant
nora@kentuckytotheworld.com
270-577-2618
Lauren Guess
lauren@stateandtell.com
270-792-0897
About Kentucky to the World:
Founded in 2012, Kentucky to the World (KTW) is a nonprofit whose mission is to elevate the cultural and intellectual reputation of the state of Kentucky on the global stage. KTW accomplishes this by sharing compelling stories of extraordinary people with Kentucky roots who are shaping the world with their creativity, intellect, and passion through live events, television specials, digital content, collectibles, school programs, KET (Kentucky Educational Television), and other initiatives. KTW stories showcase how we lead the charge for the narrative development that is vital to Kentucky’s economy and workforce. For more information, visit kentuckytotheworld.org.
