Junior Achievement names incoming inductees into Distinguished Hall of Fame
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Two local community leaders will be inducted into Junior Achievement’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday, March 18.
The event, presented by Truist, is set to last from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Western Kentucky University’s Harbaugh Club.
The public is invited to attend this event. According to Junior Achievement of Southern Kentucky, all sponsorships and tickets must be purchased in advance.
From the field of nominees, Mr. Rick Wilson, former president and CEO of Bowling Green Bank and Trust Co. (now Truist) was selected as the 2025 Laureate. This award recognizes individuals within the South Central Kentucky business community who epitomize five key standards of excellence: entrepreneurial spirit and achievement, exceptional role model for youth, economic impact on area, business leadership and commitment to the goals of Junior Achievement.
Dr. Martha Sales, dean of students and Vice President of Student Experience at Western Kentucky University, was awarded the organizations’ first ever Trailblazer Award. This new award was created to honor a mid-level professional who has achieved excellence in their career, shown a commitment to their community and demonstrated leadership in the business community.
In addition to his presidency and role serving as CEO of Bowling Green Bank and Trust Co., Wilson has been involved on several boards, including the board for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Transpark, Kids on the Block, and the board for the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center. Wilson has won various awards, including the Volunteers in Action Spirit of Community Award, the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, and has earned a WKU Distinguished Service Medal. Along with his long list of accomplishments and contributions to the community, Wilson has been an avid supporter of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky for many years.
In addition to serving as the dean of Students and Vice President of Student Experience at WKU, Sales has 20 years of grant writing experience. She also teaches and facilitates courses and trains students and her colleagues in her various areas of expertise. She serves and has served in many capacities throughout the campus, community, and nationwide, sharing her knowledge in students’ success. Sales is honored to have received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her 27-year higher education career. Sales has been a long-standing supporter of the Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky J.A. Girls program in Warren County where she mentors and empowers young women in the community to be the best version of themselves.
Wilson and Sales join 36 outstanding community leaders whose leadership and service serve as an inspiration to the students that look to Junior Achievement for guidance and support as they further their understanding of the business community.
Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Past Inductees:
• Cal Turner, Sr., Dollar General Corporation
• Everett Moore, Fruit of The Loom
• Ervin Houchens, Houchens Food Stores
• Earl Davis, Citizens Bank of Russellville
• David Garvin, Ironwood Farms
• J. Murray Hill, Sr., Bowling Green Business
University
• Doug Lester, Trans Financial, Inc.
• Robert Rodes, Citizens National Bank
• Fred Higgins, Minit Mart Food Stores Inc.
• Larry Gerald, Gerald Printing
• Deborah Williams, First American National
Bank
• Jim Smith, Wendy's of Bowling Green
• Charles Hardcastle, BG Consolidated
• Sandy Jones, Quality Personnel
• Lowell M. Guthrie, Trace Die Cast, Inc.
• Cornelius A. Martin, Martin Management
Group
• C. Mike Harris, Logan Aluminum
• Jimmie P. Gipson, Houchens Industries
• Robert Kirby, Hilliard Lyons
• Leon Page, Franklin Bank & Trust Company
• Don Vitale, Manchester Capital, LLC.
• John C. Desmarais, Commonwealth Health
Corp.
• Jerry E. Baker, Airgas
• Joe B. Natcher, Jr., Southern Foods
• John B. Holland, Fruit of The Loom
• Charles M. Moore, Jr., Charles M. Moore
Insurance
• Jim Johnson, Jim Johnson Nissan Hyundai
• G. Michael Murphy, Scott & Murphy, Inc.
• Gary Broady, Franklin Bank & Trust
Company
• Daniel J. Davis, Rafferty’s Inc.
• Dave Chandler, Chandler Real Estate
• Lester Key, Key Oil Company
• Connie Smith, Med Center Health
• John Kelly, Kelly Autism Program
• Gary Ransdell, WKU
• Johnny Webb, Operation PRIDE
