Lilia Rivera is the Executive Director of Cornerstone of Hope, a role she has held since 2019. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct instructor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College since 2023. Lilia’s exceptional contributions to her field have earned her several accolades, including a Business of the Year award, recognizing her innovation and impact within the community. She has also received the Impairment Award for her efforts to create an inclusive environment and the Work Site Wellness Award for promoting employee health and well-being.

Lilia holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts, a Bachelor’s degree in Administration, and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. Her educational background complements her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and her commitment to fostering positive change in her community.

Lilia is a member of the Paducah Professional Women’s Group, Four Rivers Society for Human Resource Management, and the National Society for Human Resource Management. She attributes her success to the strong values instilled in her by her parents. Their support emphasized perseverance, integrity, and continuous learning, shaping her approach to challenges throughout her career.

Her passion for helping others drew her to the nonprofit sector, where she believes in making a positive difference in people’s lives. Lilia’s career in Human Services has been marked by dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to meaningful projects.

In her personal life, Lilia enjoys reading, painting, and meditation. She finds reading a source of inspiration, while painting offers a creative outlet. Meditation helps her maintain balance and clarity. Vera believes in continuous growth and nurturing meaningful connections, viewing life as a journey of pursuing passions with purpose and contributing positively to the world.

Haleigh Lax is the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Cornerstone of Hope. Originally from Paducah, KY, she graduated from Marshall County High School in 2019. Haleigh values quality time with loved ones and enjoys outdoor activities. In her free time, she loves listening to music and relaxing. With a sense of openness and strong interpersonal skills, she connects easily with others, fostering trust and collaboration to build meaningful relationships.

Audrey Bachuss is the Banking Center Manager for two Banterra bank locations in Paducah, where she has made significant contributions over her 18-year career in the banking industry. A dedicated professional, she excels in building strong relationships with both customers and her team, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.

A proud graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School, Audrey furthered her education at Murray State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her commitment to community involvement is evident through her role as an associate member of the Charity League of Paducah, where she actively participates on the Ethel Committee.

In addition to her work with the Charity League, Audrey has been a board member of Cornerstone of Hope since 2022. She began her tenure as treasurer and currently serves as the board chair, guiding the organization in its mission to support agencies in need within the community.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Audrey values spending quality time with her family and is passionate about giving back through various community service efforts. Her dedication to her work and her community exemplifies her belief in the importance of service and relationship-building.

I am the Assistant Banking Center Manager for two Banterra Bank locations in Paducah, KY where I have applied my leadership and customer service skills for seven years.  

 A proud graduate of Rossville High School, I further continued my education and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. Committed to community service, I have been an active member of the Charity League of Paducah, where I served a consecutive 5-year term, including two years as treasurer. Currently, I serve as the treasurer for Cornerstone of Hope, where I hope to apply my financial expertise to help guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. 

 Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, attending sporting events and school activities, traveling, and hosting large family gatherings. I am passionate about giving back to my community and strongly believe in the value of service.

Wendy Baxter is a dedicated and experienced professional, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce. With a wealth of experience in local, state, and county government, Wendy has developed a deep understanding of community needs and the intricacies of public service. Her extensive background in grant writing has enabled her to secure vital resources for local initiatives, supporting the growth and development of the region.

In addition to her role at the Chamber, Wendy is an active leader in several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for CASA of the Lakes, advocating for children and families in need. As Vice President of Marshall County Caring Needline, Wendy plays a key role in supporting essential services for individuals and families in the area. She is also a member of the Marshall County Health Coalition, working collaboratively to improve public health and wellness in the community.

Wendy’s commitment to community service, combined with her leadership skills, makes her a passionate advocate for the Kentucky Lake region. Her work is driven by a deep desire to create positive change, foster collaboration, and enhance the quality of life for residents in Marshall County and beyond.