Bench & Bar July/August 2025

Top Left: DONALD H. COMBS POSTHUMOUSLY DISTINGUISHED LAWYER ELIZABETH A. COMBS AND DONALD H. COMBS III ACCEPTED THE AWARD Top Middle: STEPHEN E. EMBRY (RIGHT) THOMAS B. SPAIN AWARD Top Right: REBECCA SIMPSON DONATED LEGAL SERVICES Middle Left: JUDGE EDDY COLEMAN DISTINGUISHED JUDGE Middle Right: REP. JASON NEMES, REP. PATRICK FLANNERY, SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS, AND REP. DANIEL B. ELLIOTT CHIEF JUSTICE’S SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Bottom: SUSAN MONTALVO GESSER, DONALD H. COMBS III, AND W. FLETCHER MCMURRY SCHROCK RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS

Also honored during the banquet were retiring KBA President Blackburn; Immedi ate Past President W. Fletcher McMurry Schrock of Paducah, 1 st Supreme Court District Bar Governor Susan Montal vo-Gesser , from Owensboro, as well as outgoing YLD Chair Donald H. Combs III of Pikeville. Incoming President McMurtry presented President Blackburn with a plaque honor ing her year of service. President Blackburn also presented 2025 KBA Annual Convention Chair Christine L. Stanley , Lexington, as well as CLE Planning Committee

Top Left: JUDGE LUCINDA MASTERTON (RET.) BRUCE K. DAVIS BAR SERVICE AWARD Top Middle: DEAN JUDITH DAAR PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD Top Right: RHONDA JENNINGS BLACKBURN KBA PRESIDENT 2024-2025

Chair Donald H. Combs III , Pikeville, with plaques for their dedication and service in ensuring an outstanding convention. KBA President Todd McMurtry also addressed the attendees explaining the focus of his presidency and discussing the KBA’s Long Range Plan. The 2026 Kentucky Bar Association Annual Conven tion will be held June 11-12, 2026, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky. More information on this event will be available later this fall.

TODD MCMURTRY AND RHONDA JENNINGS BLACKBURN PASSING THE GAVEL

16 july/august 2025