The Christian County Chamber of Commerce has extended an offer to its next military affairs director as it prepares for potential cuts.
Chamber President and CEO Marian Mason says Katie Lopez will start Nov. 17, almost two months after Kensley Marcus left the position. Lopez has served as regional coordinator with Fort Campbell’s In Gear Career and as co-director at the Southern Kentucky Veteran Council.
“She just very much impressed us with her passion, her commitment to improving the lives of our military families,” Mason said. “(She’s) very enthusiastic and professional, and we can’t wait for her to get started.”
Mason says the U.S. House Armed Services subcommittee told chamber delegates last month in DC to prepare for military cuts across the board but offered no specifics for Fort Campbell.
"We have no idea if there will be any cuts at all,” she said. “Of course we’re hoping that there will be none to Fort Campbell. We feel that this is just a bad idea in light of what’s happening in the world today."
Mason says the chamber is already working with the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs and the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce to prepare for any potential cuts.
Army leadership visits Fort Campbell Jan. 20 for a listening session to hear comments against potential cuts.
