Olga McKissic has spent a lifetime breaking barriers and building communities. Now, she’s making history as the first Black board chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce – a role she initially hesitated to take but ultimately embraced as a calling.
A longtime community leader and former executive director of the H.L. Neblett Community Center, McKissic returned to Owensboro in 2015 after more than three decades in Louisville. She has since become a driving force in local education, economic development, and advocacy.
“God told me to come back,” McKissic said. “It was the best move I’ve ever made.”
Her journey began with South Central Bell, where she climbed the corporate ladder before retiring from BellSouth. Despite a successful career in telecommunications, she felt a deeper pull to make an impact in her hometown.
Upon her return, McKissic quickly became involved in community efforts, including founding the Western Academy at the Neblett, a mentorship and educational program designed to support young boys. The initiative, backed by local schools, businesses, and community leaders, reinforced her belief in Owensboro’s ability to rally behind impactful causes.
“The community came together and supported that,” she said. “It was amazing to see so many people invest in the future of our young boys, letting them know they are at promise, not at risk.”
Her role with the Neblett Center introduced her to the Chamber of Commerce, though she initially hesitated to get involved beyond her immediate responsibilities.
“When I first started at the Neblett Center, I didn’t want to be involved in anything else because I needed to hone my job,” McKissic said. “I had to learn how the community worked and how the community affected the center.”
As she grew more comfortable in her role, McKissic accepted invitations to join various boards, including the Chamber, the Owensboro Health Foundation, and the Economic Development Corporation. That involvement led to her eventual selection as board chair – a position she initially resisted but ultimately embraced.
“When they asked me, you already know what I told them — I don’t want to do that,” she said with a laugh. “But I prayed about it, and the answer was yes.”
Now, at the head of the Chamber’s leadership, McKissic recognizes the weight of her position.
“We talk about sitting at the table, but sitting at the head of the table is a different view,” she said. “It means understanding everyone’s perspectives and bringing them together to move forward.”
McKissic said she follows in the footsteps of influential female leaders, including former Chamber board chairs Brenda Clayton and Sarah Ford. She credits them, along with past chair John Marshall Moore, for setting a strong foundation.
Looking ahead, McKissic plans to focus on growth, leadership development, and strengthening connections between business leaders and the broader community. She emphasized the partnership with Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake as a key factor in her approach.
“Candance is very heartfelt, creative, and thinks outside the box,” McKissic said. “I can learn a lot from her.”
Brake said McKissic’s leadership is a perfect fit for the Chamber’s mission, citing her experience, perspective, and ability to unite people.
“We are so excited to have Olga McKissic leading our board this year. Olga has a unique background that has shaped her leadership skills and her understanding of how all of the aspects of our economy fit together,” Brake said. “She worked for decades in business in Louisville, then came back to her hometown with fresh eyes and a love for Owensboro. She is courageous and encouraging. And she has an ability to lead across generations. From the oldest among us to the youngest, her wisdom and perspective are invaluable.”
As she embarks on her tenure, McKissic remains as determined as ever.
“I’m very competitive,” she said. “If I have to push, I will push. If I have to walk fast, I will walk fast. I just want to see big things happen — not just for me, but for the whole community.”
McKissic believes Owensboro’s momentum will only continue to grow.
“Nothing stagnant,” she said. “Let’s keep it moving.”
