LOCALS HAVE been calling Kayla Doney a “mover and a shaker” because of her many note-worthy accomplishments as the chamber of commerce executive director. With roots that run deep in both Cowan and Decherd, Doney is the ideal person for this trail-blazing position. Through relationships developed over her lifetime, Doney works diligently to strengthen hundreds of businesses that have called Franklin County home for decades while also rolling out the welcome mat to brand-new entrepreneurs and companies. “I love being involved in the community. Supporting and promoting local businesses are my favorite part of the job,” said Doney. “What I enjoy most is the way locals love and support each other. Whether it’s losing a loved one or opening your own business, we always show up and show out to support each other!”
Even though the chamber is in Winchester, Doney works hard to encourage and support everyone within the county lines. “We serve Sewanee, Cowan, Huntland, Estill Springs, Decherd, and the unincorporated communities. I will strive to blur the lines between the cities and the county so we can be more unified. We have so much to celebrate about our community, including all the hard-working individuals who make our county a wonderful place to live, work, and play. I hope our population continues to rise to at least 50,000. That’s the magic number restaurants and retailers look for when locating to our area.”
Excited and optimistic about the boom in tourism, Doney said, “I think the biggest change in the past 20 years is the number of tourists that come to our county. We have definitely grown in lake life. We have more Airbnbs now than ever, and it’s growing every year. Between the cabins at Tims Ford Marina, Twin Creeks, Fairview Campground on the Lake, and the campground and cabins at Circle E, we have more visitors taking advantage of our beautiful lake and mountains.”
Doney recalls that her mother, Stacie Bates, has been a positive role model in her life. As a native of Franklin County, Bates instilled values within her daughter, such as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “My mother had me at the age of 18. I was born with a cleft lip and pallet, making it difficult and stressful for a first-time young mother to work, be a wife, and provide a good life for her family. She has always been a working mom and has become very successful. She graduated with honors from Bethel University with her bachelor’s degree in business management/organizational leadership in 2016. I admire my mother for her work ethic and determination, and I strive to be the wife, mother, and friend that she is!”
Raising their three children in the same community where they created their childhood memories has been a blessing to Doney and her husband, Jimmy.
“One of my favorite memories growing up is playing basketball, softball, and cheerleading at football games. My family and I enjoy the homecoming parade and the Cowan and Decherd Christmas Parades. You can also catch us every year at the High on the Hog Carnival.”
Coaching youth sports, recreation league softball, basketball, soccer, and peewee cheer are sports that Kayla is particularly passionate about.
“My goal is to teach the kids fundamentals of each sport and make a difference in their lives. I want to be the most positive adult role model I can be.”
As we pay tribute to women who lead with integrity, who cast a vision for a better community, and who work tirelessly to promote the prosperity of others, we must think of Kayla Doney, who embodies these virtues daily. GN
