Overview of Solutions - Presenters

Health and Welfare Committee Recommendations

Laura Douglas

E.ON-U.S. - VP of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs

Laura was named to her current position in November 2007. She joined the company in October 2003 as Director of Communications and currently serves as the U. S. market contact for the development of E.ON's group wide corporate responsibility report. Laura's professional background includes service as general counsel for a water district as well as a sewer works. She served four years as the Secretary of Kentucky's Public Protection and Regulation Cabinet.

She is an active member of numerous national professional organizations and civic boards. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of Republic Bank and Trust Company and Actors Theatre. As the result of a mayoral appointment, Laura has served as Chair of the Citizens Commission on Police Accountability. Two governors appointed Laura to serve on the Kentucky State University Board of Regents. Currently, she serves today as Chair of the Kentucky State University Board.

Laura earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Louisville and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law.

Early Childhood Education Committee Recommendations

Billy Harper

Harper Industries - CEO

Raised on a farm in West Kentucky and a lifelong resident of Paducah, Billy Harper graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1966. Upon graduation he accepted a position with Shell Oil in Midland, Texas. In 1968 he accepted a commissioned officer position with the United States Public Health Service.

In 1980, Harper Industries, Inc., a holding company, was founded by Billy Harper who serves as its president. Today, Harper Industries has grown into a holding company consisting of six construction subsidiaries with offices in Kentucky and Tennessee and with construction sites in twenty states.

Billy is a professional race car driver. His love of racing and passion for education led him to develop a program “Race for Education” designed to improve attendance among middle school children. Billy has received many awards and recognitions over the years, however, his most cherished is the distinguished Eagle Award presented to him by the Boy Scouts of America.

Billy lives in Paducah with his wife, Laura. They have four children, Holly, Melissa, Guy and Grant.