The Center for Rural Development recognizes original board member and former board chairman Robert ‘Mike’ Duncan of Martin County

LONNNIE LAWSON, left, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, recognizes original board member and former two-time board chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan of Inez, for his leadership and dedicated service over the last 28 years. Duncan will continue to serve as an advisor to the board as director emeritus.

The Center for Rural Development is honoring an original board member and former two-time board chair for his leadership and distinguished service over the last 28 years.

Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, recognized Robert M. “Mike” Duncan of Inez, for his leadership role and dedicated service in an awards presentation in Duncan’s office in Martin County. Duncan will continue to serve as an advisor to the board as director emeritus.

“Since inception in1996, Mike Duncan has been helping to develop and shape the vision and mission of The Center,” Lawson said. “He has played a pivotal role in helping to create many of our innovative programs and initiatives – including The Center’s flagship youth program Rogers Scholars. We owe a debt of gratitude that we could never repay to Mike for his leadership, foresight, and dedication to The Center and our region.”

Duncan was one of The Center’s founding board members, served as a member of the board from 1996-2024 and was twice board chairman from 2002-2004 and 2021-2023.

In 1998, Duncan and serveral others – including U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) – were instrumental in developing Rogers Scholars - a one-week summer youth leadership program, that has become one of The Center’s most recognizable programs across Southern and Eastern Kentucky and the entire state.

Duncan and his wife, Joanne, make their home in Inez, in Martin County. He served as chairman, president, and CEO of Inez Deposit Bank, which merged with First State Bank in February, 2021. Duncan currently is chairman of the board of trustees at Alice Lloyd College, a private, four-year liberal arts college, in Pippa Passes.

Earlier this year, Duncan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fifth District Lincoln Club Banquet in Corbin for his service as former Republican National Committee chair.

Established in 1996 through the vision of Congressman Rogers and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life for residents within its 45-county primary service area and throughout the nation.

For more information about The Center for Rural Development, visit www.centertech.com or call 606-677-6000.