TRIBUTE TO BALLARD CASSADY

On 2026-09-29, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO BALLARD CASSADY" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO BALLARD CASSADY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S5161-S5162] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO BALLARD CASSADY Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to a friend who has led the Kentucky Bankers Association for more than 40 years, president and CEO Ballard Cassady. Ballard stepped down at the end of July, and his career and leadership at the helm of this organization deserve significant praise. I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Ballard and applauding his four decades of service to KBA and to the people of Kentucky. Growing up in Pikeville, Ballard learned the value and importance of hard work from his first jobs picking strawberries and bailing hay. He also learned from his father that acquiring a good education could help him make a living. So he went off to Transylvania University and got his bachelor's degree in business administration. With a solidified interest in business, Ballard then decided to go straight through and earn his master's in business administration from Vanderbilt. After several years leading Citizens Bank of Pikeville and a stint in public service, Ballard took on the role of president at KBA. To those who know him, it is no surprise that Ballard assumed such a prestigious role so early in his career. Since he started in 1986, he has represented Kentucky's banks exceptionally well. Ballard's steadfast leadership has been marked by his comprehensive understanding of KBA's member banks and communicating their priorities to others. As a former banker himself, he recognizes how much these organizations do for their region, especially in rural counties. There is no doubt he shows up to work every day ready to fight for their concerns. And I am so glad he has been there representing them along the way. Ballard often says that local banks are the backbone of their communities. I couldn't agree more. From the pandemic to historic flooding and devastating tornadoes, Kentucky has seen more than its fair share of natural disasters in the last several years. When these misfortunes strike, banks are part of the frontline of recovery, immediately working to distribute loans and Federal funds to help businesses get back up on their feet. If it weren't for these institutions, recovery would take much longer--time that hard-working Kentuckians can't waste. Thanks to Ballard's community-oriented leadership, the Commonwealth's banks have stepped up to the plate time and again to take care of their communities during difficult times. And Ballard is vocal and proud of the work they have done. While his advocacy work at KBA has been top notch, Ballard is also a great person and a fixture throughout the Commonwealth. His involvement includes service on the board of trustees for the Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking and the Louisiana State University Banking School of the South, where he focuses his efforts in education. I have enjoyed visiting with him over the years in Washington, DC, and also back home in Kentucky. We share a firm belief in the power of free enterprise, and Ballard knows that communities flourish when capital has less restrictions. I am so glad KBA has had Ballard on their side for the last four decades. There is no doubt they are better off thanks to his tireless efforts and his resounding support for the services they provide to Kentuckians. Ballard, while the KBA will be in good hands upon your departure, know that your service and devotion to the community leaves a lasting legacy. I know that your wife Marcia, children Molly, Cash, and Jacob, and all of your grandchildren are so proud of you. Thank you for your dedication to businesses throughout the Commonwealth, [[Page S5162]] and I wish you well in this next chapter of your life. ____________________