Retirement Party Planned For Outgoing Hopkinsville Mayor

Officials with the City of Hopkinsville have organized a farewell reception in the honor of outgoing and retiring Mayor Wendell Lynch, set for Sunday, December 11 in the Bruce Convention Center.

The program will begin at 2:15 PM, and the public is encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be available.

Among Lynch’s accomplishments, city representatives are lauding his efforts on multiple fronts:

— He “skillfully managed” Hopkinsville’s fiscal health, growing cash reserves by nearly $5 million, to $14.2 million.

— He “designated resources” to fund a future fire station, and stimulated job growth and economic development.

— He oversaw the investment of more than $5.7 million in capital improvements for public works, city services and equipment.

— He pushed the use of 21st century software for public safety, governing finance, interagency communication and overall efficiency.

— And he “compassionately and resiliently” led Hopkinsville through the coronavirus pandemic.

Lynch, who had served Hopkinsville City Council since 2014, was unanimously appointed as interim mayor March 1, 2020, following the unexpired term of Carter Hendricks. Prior, he’d worked 44 years at First City Bank and Trust Company/BB&T, including six years as Market President.

Lynch currently serves as board member for the Campbell Strong Defense Alliance, Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Minority Economic Development Initiative, Pennyrile Allied Community Services, Pennyrile Area Development District and South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council. He’s also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Pioneers Incorporated and the Athenaeum Society — as well as a lifetime member of the Adventure Cycling Association and the NAACP.

Lynch has also served on the boards for Aaron McNeil House, Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Pennyroyal Hospice, Hopkinsville Community College Foundation, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, Jennie Stuart Health, Murray State University, Hopkinsville-Christian County Ambulance Service Board, E911 Advisory Board, Christian County/Hopkinsville Development Corporation, and the United Way of the Pennyrile.