On June 30, 2023, Sam Burchett of Olive Hill, KY concluded 28 years of service to the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC). Burchett, principal attorney in the law firm of Sam P. Burchett, Attorney-at-Law, joined the KSTC board in 1994. KSTC is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to accelerating innovative economic development in Kentucky.
Over nearly three decades, Burchett filled a number of roles on the organization’s board and executive committee. He served as secretary, treasurer and vice chairman before his appointment as board chairman in 2019, a role he held until June 30, 2023. In his role as board chairman, Burchett combined his business and legal experience to provide leadership and expertise to the non-profit organization. Additionally, Burchett represented KSTC on the board of Space Tango, LLC.
“We are incredibly grateful for Sam’s service and his leadership as board chairman,” said KSTC President Terry Samuel. “His perspective has been invaluable as KSTC transitions to today’s innovation ecosystem.”
A 1985 graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Law, Burchett was instrumental in the establishment of the Journal of Mineral Law and Policy and served on its initial staff. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky with a dual concentration in finance and organizational behavior. He was a 1976 UK Honors Program graduate with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science.
During his tenure on the board, Sam supported KSTC’s expansion to seven initiatives, including AdvanceKentucky, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation, support for Kentucky’s Innovation Hubs, Keyhorse Capital, KY APEX Accelerator and most recently, KY VALOR. He was also integral in the succession from the leadership of Co-founder and President Kris Kimel to KSTC’s current President, Terry Samuel.