Our Leadership

YPAL is a membership-based organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. It is through volunteer committee involvement and leadership opportunities that YPAL members can make the most of their experience and develop themselves professionally. Because YPAL is mostly volunteer, the organization also relies on strategic partnerships with the business community.

YPAL Board of Directors

John Weber

President

Organization that actually pays you: Stites & Harbison
YPAL event you can’t miss: Any behind the scenes tour – you get access to a cool, exclusive spot around the city!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Trying something new – whether that be a place to travel, a new restaurant, or an experience (my most recent was kiteboarding). Oh, and everything UofL sports related!
One thing you love about Louisville: Its food and drink scene
#WhyIYPAL: I love meeting new people and learning about different facets of our community
Something interesting about you: I’m an internationally-certified SCUBA diver
Ask me about: getting a job, serving on a board, finding a faith community or exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants. I’m here to help in any way I can and can’t wait to get to know you!

Woo Smith

President-Elect

Organization that actually pays you: Terracon Consultants, Inc.
YPAL event you can’t miss: ELP!!!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Try new cuisines
One thing you love about Louisville: Everyone’s so nice here!
#WhyIYPAL: Empower and elevate YPs
Something interesting about you: I compete in powerlifting!

Rudy Ellis

Immediate Past President

Organization that actually pays you: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.
YPAL event you can’t miss: YP Day at the Capitol!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Run, cheer on the Cards/ Hoosiers, and hang out with my forever fiancée Kristina.
One thing you love about Louisville: I love the local parks system here. The city’s done a great job creating both beautiful urban parks, as well as the protected parklands area on the edge of Jefferson County.
#WhyIYPAL: I joined YPAL because I wanted an opportunity to work with like-minded and driven young professionals.
Something interesting about you: I’m allergic to horses. Yes, I know, it’s very inconvenient for living in Kentucky.

Patrick Wilson

Treasurer

Organization that actually pays you: MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP
YPAL event you can’t miss: Excelerate and the New Behind the Scenes Series
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Anything U of L sports, volleyball (playing, coaching or spectating) and time with friends/family
One thing you love about Louisville: There is always something to do and the local food scene
#WhyIYPAL: YPAL gives me the opportunity to network and develop relationships with individuals in various fields and at various stages of their career. It is a truly diverse organization with driven and passionate individuals. I am also always excited to see new venues in Louisville.
Something interesting about you: I have never had a coke (of any kind) in my life aside from the accidental drink from the wrong glass.

Elizabeth Mosley

Secretary

Organization that actually pays you: Frost Brown Todd
YPAL event you can’t miss: YPAL Unite Summit!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Run with my pup around Louisville Parks.
One thing you love about Louisville: Louisville has the BEST food! I would live a happy life eating out for every meal here.
#WhyIYPAL: YPAL is (and has been for me) not only an incredible way to network in the community, but create opportunities for growth in your own leadership skills.
Something interesting about you: I know every word to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”

Betsy Oyler Appleton

VP of Public Relations

Organization that actually pays you: Confluent Health
YPAL event you can’t miss: Lunch for 11
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Running Trails in Cherokee Park followed by a Margarita at El Mundo
One thing you love about Louisville: This city has something for everyone! From music, food, festivals, art, to civic-involvement and an entrepreneurial flavor, you’ll never be bored!
#WhyIYPAL: YPAL made returning home to Louisville easy. I’m growing my network, making new friends and contacts, and have access to interesting events.

Lena Muldoon

VP of Engagement

Organization that actually pays you: Louisville Forward (Louisville Metro Government)
YPAL event you can’t miss: YPAL101 was awesome. It immediately captivated me and made me feel welcome and excited about joining. I can’t wait to be on the other side welcoming new members!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Hiking, spending time with my nieces, and planning trips (not to mention actually going on those trips)
One thing you love about Louisville: The quirks that only Louisvillians understand, that also make it so impactful and compelling to outsiders
#WhyIYPAL: The passion that I feel during and after events is why I YPAL. That’s enough to make me know that it’s more than just networking or about titles or resumes – it’s passion for our city and our potential, both personally and at a larger scale. We’re moving towards something better and greater because we all believe in it, and that feels really amazing. Also everyone is interesting and hilarious, which is a great bonus.
Something interesting about you: I lived and traveled between the USA and South America for 7 years! My best souvenir is my husband, who is Argentine.

Kulwant Singh

VP of Development

Organization that actually pays you: Farm Credit Mid America
YPAL event you can’t miss: YPAL 101. I love meeting young professionals new in our city and educating them on how awesome YPAL is.
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Volunteering at local events/nonprofit, community theatre, dancing, camping and spending time on the lake with family.
One thing you love about Louisville: There are so many things but one thing I love and am proud of is that we are a very diverse and welcoming city with opportunities for everyone.
#WhyIYPAL: To grow professionally and to help others grow in whatever way they can.
Something interesting about you: I can do Bhangra (traditional dance) to any song in any language. Challenge me 😛

Eiman Zuberi

VP of Connection

Organization that actually pays you: Louisville City FC
YPAL event you can’t miss: 5:48 Networking and Quarterly Lunch!
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): I love going to old favorites and finding new restaurants with my friends. I also love driving on River Road and spending time at the beautiful new Lynn Family Stadium.
One thing you love about Louisville: I love how it has both a city feel, with downtown and NULU but you can also go to the farms and enjoy the “countryside” Louisville has to offer.
#WhyIYPAL: YPAL has shown me a community within Louisville consisting of some of the kindest, most hardworking individuals I have ever met. It’s great to meet people who share the same passion about Louisville as you do.
Something interesting about you: I got to attend Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis and I am never going back to Minnesota in the winter.

Sean Southard

Director of Communications

Organization that actually pays you:Kentucky Department of Agriculture
YPAL event you can’t miss: YP Day at the Capitol! It’s a great opportunity for young professionals to get to know the policy makers in Frankfort.
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL):Hit the links!
#WhyIYPAL:To connect more with energetic young professionals looking to expand their network and grow together!.
Something interesting about you:I’m a transplant from Daviess County, Kentucky: the home of bluegrass music, the international BBQ festival, and the greatest burgoo in the state!

Sam Draut

Director of Social Media

Organization that actually pays you: Block Communications, Inc.
YPAL event you can’t miss: If you attend all the events, you won’t miss any.
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Work. #NoDaysOff…seriously I flip through Yellow Page phone books on days that I don’t work. Hobby suggestions are welcomed.
One thing you love about Louisville: The commitment and passion of the community to help Louisville improve as a city in a multitude of ways. The citizens in Louisville have so much pride and loyalty to the city.
#WhyIYPAL: To improve the lives of the people in the Louisville. I believe YPAL is an organization that not only benefits young professionals but also works to help people around the entire community.
Something interesting about you: I published my first novel in 2019 titled “The Destruction of a Psychopath by an American Beauty”. The printed version and the eBook edition is available online.

Jay Brown

Director of Technology

Organization that actually pays you: Smart Data
YPAL event you can’t miss: YP Unite Summit
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Golf
One thing you love about Louisville: 15 minutes to the city, 15 minutes to the country.
#WhyIYPAL: To connect with people that can help me grow and learn at both a personal and professional level.
Something interesting about you: I love to cook.
Is a hotdog a sandwich?: A hotdog is a taco.

Elizabeth Penn

Director of Community Outreach

Organization that actually pays you: Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs
YPAL event you can’t miss: Lunch for Eleven
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Trying new restaurants with friends!
One thing you love about Louisville: The parks – I’m a regular at Cherokee
#WhyIYPAL: To meet new people and get more involved in the community

Aaron Vance

Director of Public Issues

Organization that actually pays you: Dinsmore and Shohl LLP
YPAL event you can’t miss: YPAL Day at the Capitol
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Watch Soccer, specifically Tottenham Hotspur!
One thing you love about Louisville: All of the great food!
#WhyIYPAL: Because I believe that this generation of young professionals has the ability and willingness to take on the challenges facing the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky!
Something interesting about you: I am a huge Deadhead (Grateful Dead) and as soon as concerts are back, I will be seeing Dead and Co. in person.

Tanelle Smith

Director of Professional Development

Organization that actually pays you: Greater Louisville Inc.
YPAL event you can’t miss: YP Unite Summit
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): All things mentally stimulating – I love to travel, read books, listen to podcasts, and F45!
One thing you love about Louisville: The foodie scene + local spots for sure!
#WhyIYPAL: I was immediately drawn to YPAL because of the like minded, passionate leaders within the community. Being a non-native to Louisville, it was important for me to find an organization with individuals who were engaging in impactful work. I truly believe it is so important to be surrounded people who recognize the good and do greater – YPAL made perfect sense for me!
Something interesting about you: I studied abroad for a college semester in Korea and traveled across Southeast Asia- definitely began my love for traveling!

Emory Williamson

Director of Leadership

Organization that actually pays you: Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED)
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Traveling, reading, writing, hanging out with family, friends, and Floyd (my cat)
One thing you love about Louisville: As someone who is committed to our community and its future, the one thing I love about Louisville is its people. From Portland to Prospect and Shawnee to St. Matthews, we have amazing individuals who make up our collective community.
#WhyIYPAL: I’m committed to connecting people and resources while also advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in all areas of our community. I believe YPAL is integral to connecting our community’s young professionals and ensuring that our city thrives.
Something interesting about you: I co-host a mental health radio show.

Victor Keye

Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Organization that actually pays you: Louisville Urban League
YPAL event you can’t miss: Any event that involves meeting new young professionals
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Travel across the country any chance I get
One thing you love about Louisville: The people in Louisville, I feel at home when it comes to connecting with people from all walks of life in the 502
#WhyIYPAL: I YPAL to show other young Professionals that any dreams or aspirations can come true with the right mind set, connection and tools to succeed
Something interesting about you: I am a pianist and met Mike Tyson in 2015

Gabrielle Stone

Director of Recruitment

Organization that actually pays you: Appriss
YPAL event you can’t miss: 5:48 Networking & YP Unite Summit
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): Exploring new restaurants with my husband, spending time with my family and attending church.
One thing you love about Louisville: The food scene in Louisville is incredible! It is a foodie paradise to live here and enjoy the delicious dishes from a variety of cultures that make up our city. Having one favorite restaurant is impossible.
#WhyIYPAL: Joining YPAL is an amazing opportunity to pay it forward to other young professionals seeking to expand their network. When I first joined YPAL, I did not expect the relationships and opportunities I would soon gain from this organization. YPAL provides impactful resources and amazing support from members and leaders who are committed to serving young professionals of Louisville.
Something interesting about you: I’m bitter about being allergic to sage & paprika …which is kind of a barrier in my pursuit to become a professional foodie.

Kezia Ramsey

Director of Membership

Organization that actually pays you: Monticello Bank/Monticello Wealth Management
YPAL event you can’t miss: 5:48 Networking – It’s always so fun and very high energy. You will find your group of people here.
Favorite thing to do (other than YPAL): My friends and I love to check out what’s happening in Louisville. There’s always new restaurants or new events to try.
One thing you love about Louisville: We have the most amazing parks! After a long day at work it’s so nice to drive to a park and walk off the day (or play tennis).
#WhyIYPAL: Being a Louisville transplant (I’ve been here four years) YPAL has been a source of opportunities for me. We often hear young professionals say “How do I make friends outside of college? Do I just walk up to people?” The answer is “Yes”, but it’s so much easier when you’re at an event with others who are looking to engage in their community and meet new people.
Something interesting about you: I love reading (give me all your book recommendations!!) and am always looking for something new to learn (anyone want to take horseback riding lessons with me??).