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Executive Committee Honorary Chair, Shinji Watanabe - Consul-General of Japan in Nashville The Honorable Shinji Watanabe serves as the Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, representing the Government of Japan in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. As Consul-General, he is responsible for strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Japan and the region, as well as supporting Japanese citizens and companies based here. As Honorary Chair of the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK), Consul-General Watanabe plays a key role in advancing mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Kentucky. He actively supports JASK’s mission to foster dialogue, educational exchange, and partnerships among business, government, and community leaders. Throughout his diplomatic career with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul-General Watanabe has held various posts that reflect his deep commitment to international cooperation, public service, and people-to-people connections. His leadership in Nashville and across the region helps:
Consul-General Watanabe’s service as Honorary Chair underscores the close and enduring partnership between Japan and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and his support is vital to JASK’s ongoing work to connect and inspire both communities. Chair, Rene DeBerdt - Denham-Blythe Rene is a Construction and Development Manager and is celebrating 28 years of successful project management with Denham-Blythe Co., a design-build construction company which specializes in industrial and commercial facilities. Born and raised in Japan, Rene moved to Michigan to study engineering. In 1991, Rene accepted a position with Toyota Tsusho that allowed him to utilize his language and cultural knowledge of Japan. Working inside the Georgetown Toyota facility for Japanese Toyota engineers and equipment builders opened his eyes to the challenges of differing cultures and languages. Other Toyota facilities in England and Canada soon requested his assistance to successfully complete new production lines. Rene started at Denham-Blythe Company in 1997 as a project manager and has managed many projects throughout the United States and Mexico. His current position as Construction and Development Manager is allowing him more opportunities to assist Japanese clients in fulfilling their expansion needs and making their facilities operational. Vice-Chair, Keitaro Nomura - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Keitaro Nomura is a senior leader at Toyota Motor North America, Production Engineering in Georgetown. In addition to his responsibilities at TMNA, Nomura serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK), where he helps promote business, cultural, and educational ties between Japan and Kentucky. Originally from Japan, Nomura brings deep experience in global automotive manufacturing and cross-cultural collaboration. His work focuses on:
He is recognized as a key connector between Japanese industry and Kentucky’s workforce, civic, and business communities.
Secretary, Kay Sargent - Lexington Sister Cities Kay is the Executive Director of Lexington Sister Cities, a program that fosters global connections between Lexington and communities around the world. Under her leadership, Lexington maintains partnerships with Deauville, France; County Kildare, Ireland; Shinhidaka, Japan; Newmarket, England; and Jeju City, South Korea. In her role with the Lexington (KY) Sister Cities Commission for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Kay oversees all local Sister Cities programs and international exchanges. She plays a key role in welcoming foreign dignitaries, supporting international tourism efforts, and strengthening Lexington’s global presence on both national and international levels. Kay serves on the boards of Sister Cities International, the Sister Cities International Foundation, and the Sister Cities International Honorary Board. She is also the SCI Kentucky State Representative for the organization and helps with the Finance and Membership Committees. Kay is active in many civic and community affairs and serves on committees and boards with various local and state organizations. Treasurer, David Kidd - Fifth Third Bank David is Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Bank. Prior to his banking career, David was in corporate sales at AT&T. In addition to being a board member of JASK, Mr. Kidd is also the current President of the Lexington Children’s Theatre, sits on the Shriner’s Hospital Corporate Council, the board for United Way of the Bluegrass, and is a coach for 4-H Shooting Sports. He is also on the selection committee for Leadership Kentucky and on the steering committee of Leadership Lexington. Marketing, Yukie Cooper - Gray Construction Yukie serves as Manager, Economic Development at Gray Construction, where she leads the company’s economic development strategy and key initiatives. Headquartered in Lexington, KY, Gray Construction is built on a strong family legacy and is recognized globally for delivering fully integrated industrial services, including engineering, design, construction, digital solutions, equipment manufacturing, and real estate development. With a strategic network of 20 offices across the U.S. and internationally, Gray provides the scale and expertise to support projects ranging from large, complex developments to small and mid-size facilities across the country. This broad footprint, paired with highly skilled and versatile teams, enables Gray to consistently deliver exceptional results in core markets such as Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Advanced Technology, Data Centers, Distribution, and Commercial sectors. Having delivered more than 380 Japanese projects in the U.S., Gray remains deeply committed to supporting both new and long-standing customers throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. Chair Emeritus, Bill Quenemoen - Denham-Blythe Bill served as the Chief Executive Officer at Denham-Blythe Company until 2023. Since stepping down from that position, he has been engaged in a business development role with the company. Bill graduated with his BSCE from Ohio State in 1993 and subsequently obtained his master's degree in civil engineering and an MBA at the University of Kentucky. He enjoys structural design work and is a registered professional engineer in several states. He also serves on the Chrysalis House Board of Directors, another Kentucky-based non-profit organization. Operations, John Ferguson - Pro Tech Quality Solutions John Ferguson is the President of Pro Tech Quality Solutions, a Kentucky-based company specializing in third‑party quality services for manufacturing and industrial clients. Under his leadership since 2008, Pro Tech Quality Solutions has become a trusted partner for manufacturers needing support with: Quality inspection and quality assurance, Containment and rework, Assembly and sub‑assembly and Warehousing, repacking, and related support services. Before founding or leading Pro Tech Quality Solutions, John spent over a decade in the quality services industry as a Regional Manager at Quality Industrial Services Inc. (1997–2007), where he gained extensive hands-on experience in managing teams, customer relationships, and complex quality projects. He studied Business Administration and Management at Camden County College, giving him a strong foundation in operations and leadership that he’s applied throughout his career. Robert L. Brown - Lynch, Cox, Gilman & Goodman Robert represents domestic and foreign companies that reach customers in overseas markets. Robert is chair of the National District Export Council appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce. He is also chair of Kentucky District Export Council, and treasurer of Sister Cities of Louisville. Robert has previously served as chair of the Kentucky World Trade Center, chair of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, and chair of Crane House, a leading Asian cultural and business society. On a global scale, he is chair of the American Bar Association, Section of International Law and its 20,000 members in over 100 countries. In addition to a law degree, he has earned MBA and MS in urban economics (Louisville), MS in Japanese business (Jochi University in Tokyo), and two PhDs in law and development (University of Cambridge and The London School of Economics and Political Science). Recently, he completed an LL.M. in world trade from the University of London. He has also passed the CPA exam. He is admitted in Kentucky, New York, California, District of Columbia, England and Wales, and Hong Kong. From 1990-1993, he was admitted as a foreign lawyer in Japan. Karen Wheeler - Suntory Global Spirits Karen Wheeler serves as the Community Relations & Operation Support Coordinator at Suntory Global Spirits, where she is committed to promoting employee engagement and enhancing community involvement. She plays an active role on several Board of Directors, including JASK, where she leverages her expertise to support and improve local initiatives. Her previous community service includes valuable contributions to the United Way of the Bluegrass and Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. With 25 years of leadership experience, Karen has held key roles at Coca-Cola, Bank One (now part of Chase Bank), and the U.S. Army. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree from Midway College. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Karen is also a graduate of Leadership Kentucky (2018) and has been honored with the esteemed Lisa Murrell Award, recognizing her dedication to leadership and inspiration. Board Members Jeff Ayotte - Astermo Automotive Systems Jeff Ayotte is the current General Manager at the Berea, Kentucky facility of Astemo, a Tier I supplier specializing in suspension and electric motor components, employing over 850 people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and Industrial Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jeff began his career as a Safety Engineer in Boston before joining Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky, where he progressed from Engineer to Operations Manager. He eventually transferred to Toyota North America as Chief Production Engineer. After retiring from Toyota, where he had a successful 26-year career, Jeff joined Hitachi in September 2017. He started as Vice President of Operations at the Harrodsburg facility and later became Plant General Manager. In April 2020, he assumed oversight of both the Berea and Harrodsburg sites, and eventually focused exclusively on the Berea facility, driving improvements in profitability and site growth. Jeff and his wife, Brenda, have three children—Austin, Aaron, and Gabrielle—and two granddaughters, Kennedy and Miller. Outside of work, Jeff is an avid fan of University of Kentucky football and basketball, enjoys playing golf, and loves to travel. Mikiko Blosser - Toyota Tsusho David Bugg - Toyota David Bugg is a highly experienced automotive manufacturing executive with over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing, internal logistics, project management, and global supply chain operations. Currently serving as Vice President of Manufacturing Business Operations at Toyota North America, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing manufacturing processes and operational strategies within one of the world's leading automotive companies. Kiki Creech - Asahi Bluegrass Forge Corp. Creech is the Vice President of Asahi Bluegrass Forge Corporation, where she has dedicated nearly 22 years to the company’s growth and success. Originally from the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kiki moved to the United States in 1991 as an exchange student in North Carolina. Her professional journey reflects her strong work ethic, cross-cultural perspective, and commitment to excellence in manufacturing. Outside of work, Kiki enjoys a fulfilling family life as a proud mother of a son and daughter, and a doting grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. Michelle Deans - Cherry Bekaert Michelle Deans is a Director of Assurance Services at Cherry Bekaert, Michelle focuses on audits, reviews and compilations of financial statements for the industrial manufacturing and retail industries, including automobile dealerships. In addition to traditional assurance engagements on financial statements, Michelle specializes in employee benefit plan audits for a variety of clients in various industries. Michelle has a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Kentucky and is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. Vanessa Grossl - Kentucky 88th District State Representative & JET Program Alumni Representative Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, Vanessa Grossl is the daughter of a public school teacher and diesel mechanic. Her parents taught her to work hard, care about her community and uphold the values we all share. Today, Vanessa is a business-minded executive who makes state government work for the people. She works for a software company that is the leading digital wallet purchasing and reimbursement platform for public funds, bringing transparency and accountability to public tax dollars. Vanessa and her husband, Cameron, an engineer, pilot, and aircraft mechanic, also run a small business: Grossl Aviation. Prior to her current job, Vanessa worked at The Council of State Governments’ (CSG) National Headquarters in Lexington, KY, where her portfolios included education, workforce, finance, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, tech, privacy, and cybersecurity policy. She co-lead the 2021-2022 Healthy States National Task Force before being promoted internally to Advancement Manager. Public service and bettering her community have always been a calling. Vanessa worked in local government in Lexington where she opened the city’s first international center, oversaw a number of key community outreach and engagement programs, and served as liaison to the Mayor’s International Affairs Advisory Council, and to the city’s Emergency Operations Center. She built steadfast relationships with city council members, their staff, and other key department officials, and within the Mayor's Office. Prior to her tenure as a civil servant, Vanessa spent nearly a decade as a teacher, including four years with the Fayette County Public Schools where she earned the 2013 Outstanding New World Languages Teacher of the Year Award presented by the Kentucky World Languages Association and was appointed to the Kentucky Department of Education’s School Guidelines and Profiles Committee in 2018. Vanessa is an active member of the Rotary Club of Lexington After Hours, has served on the Boards of Directors at the Blue Grass Community Foundation and the Japan America Society of Kentucky, is a Leadership Lexington alumnus and a Junior League of Lexington sustainer. Vanessa holds degrees from the University of Louisville, the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Kentucky. Bob Helton - At-Large Bob Helton is a seasoned leader in economic development, business, and agricultural innovation. He has held several key roles in Kentucky, including as the former Executive Director of the Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council and as a Development Specialist for AppHarvest. Helton’s expertise spans economic development, project management, and agritech, positioning him as a prominent figure in Kentucky’s growth and innovation sectors. Masamichi Inoue - University of Kentucky Masamichi is an Associate Professor of Japan Studies at the University of Kentucky. Since the mid-1990s, he has been conducting a series of anthropological and cultural analyses of the U.S. military base issues in Okinawa. Masamichi has initiated a project which traces, through a set of case studies, how Japanese culture has evolved since the 20th century as a global sanctuary—a transnational space of refuge, intimacy, and social critique open to social bodies with diverse gender, ethnic, national, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, he has been conducting fieldwork with the campus police to examine issues of security in the increasingly globalized environment of post-9.11 American society. “Border-crossing” as a form of intellectual enterprise mediates and unites these projects, manifesting itself as Masamichi writes Japan (including Okinawa) from a global perspective on the one hand and exploring global America as a Japanese intellectual on the other. Masahito Kikumoto - At-Large With over 23 years of business management experience, Masahito has built a distinguished career in the beverage and condiment industries. He has contributed significantly to the success of brown spirits, notably serving as the former President of AGE International, also known as Blanton's Bourbon—one of the world’s most celebrated and popular bourbons. His leadership was instrumental in elevating Blanton's Bourbon to international prominence. He also has a decade of experience in condiment manufacturing and extensive expertise in the export/import of canned food between Asia, the US, and Europe. Masahito is originally from Kyoto, Japan, and now resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife and two sons who are currently in college. Philip Koester - Waterfront Botanical Gardens Philip Koester is the President & CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Louisville, Kentucky, where he leads the vision, strategy, and growth of one of the region’s most dynamic cultural and environmental institutions. Under his leadership, Waterfront Botanical Gardens continues to develop as a center for horticultural excellence, sustainability, and community education, welcoming visitors from Kentucky, the broader region, and around the world. Philip helps strengthen cultural and educational connections between Japan and Kentucky. He is especially interested in the way gardens, nature, and design can serve as a bridge between cultures, and he supports programs that highlight Japanese garden traditions, environmental stewardship, and cross-cultural exchange. Philip’s professional background includes leadership roles in nonprofit management, strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement. He has worked with a range of civic and cultural organizations, helping them grow impact, deepen partnerships, and reach new audiences. Passionate about connecting people with nature and with each other, Koester brings to JASK a strong commitment to:
He frequently represents Waterfront Botanical Gardens and JASK at community events, business gatherings, and cultural programs that celebrate the long-standing relationship between Japan and Kentucky. Craig McCloud - McCloud Law Group Craig is a native of Columbia, KY, and Adair County High School graduate. He moved to Lexington in 1994 to attend the University of Kentucky, where he majored in Political Science/Pre-Law. Upon graduation from UK, he attended law school at Western Michigan University - TMCLS, where he graduated in 1999. After completing law school, Craig returned to Lexington, where he began working as General Counsel in his family-owned healthcare and construction businesses. In addition, he founded McCloud Law Group, with offices in Lexington and Columbia. In 2013, Craig participated in The National Union of Cuban Jurists' Comparative Cuban Legal System courses held in Havana, Cuba. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Kentucky. In 2015, he completed Canada's National Committee on Accreditation's Internationally-Trained Lawyer's Program. During the Pandemic of 2020, he completed the Executive Healthcare Management program at the Yale School of Management. In 2022, he graduated from Harvard Medical School's Global Health Care Leaders Program. Craig maintains active involvement within the community, including Various U.S. Presidential, Senate, and Congressional campaigns; Kentucky Gubernatorial, Senate, House, and Judicial elections; local Mayoral, Council, and Magistrate races; Legislative Aide in the Kentucky House of Representatives; Fayette County Bar Association; Small Claims Mediator for the Fayette District Court; Saint Peter's Parish Council, Finance Committee, and Building & Grounds; Mentor & Educator at Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass; Japanese American Society of Kentucky's Program Committee; Knights of Columbus; and The Ancient Order of Hibernians. Craig is married to Dr. Karen Santos, and they live in the Hamburg area with their two children: Maggie and Collyn. He enjoys traveling, cooking, cocktails, boating, classic movies, and cultural immersion. Deven Richardson - Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Deven Richardson is a Director of Existing Business and Community Development within the Cabinet for Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In this capacity, he is responsible for managing critical business relationships across the state and serves as the primary liaison for the Cabinet with Japanese and Korean companies. Prior to joining Team Kentucky, Deven served for three years as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State, completing a notable tour at Embassy Tokyo as a Consular and Economic Officer. Deven holds a Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University (2019), completed the prestigious Fulbright Program at Waseda University in 2020, and earned a Master's degree from Georgetown University in 2022. A native of Kentucky, he is dedicated to maintaining his fluency in Japanese and enjoys hiking, cooking, and fitness. Shelley Theise Warren - At-Large Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Shelley Theise Warren is a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her degree in Urban Studies. In 2016, after a successful career as a Business Consultant for real estate franchises affiliated with Prudential, GMAC, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Shelley and her husband, Alex, relocated to Georgetown, Kentucky. Since moving to Georgetown, Shelley has actively engaged in her community, serving as the Educational Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for JASK. She has also taken on a leadership role as the Chair of the 2024 revival of Georgetown’s Sister City relationship with Tahara, Japan. Recently, she hosted a garden reception at her home for His Excellency Shigeo Yamada in conjunction with the 2025 NAJAS conference organized by JASK, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering international connections and community growth. Randall Weber - Topy America Randall (Randy) Weber is a senior leader with TOPY America, Inc., a major manufacturer of steel wheels serving North American and global markets. With over 38 years of experience in the automotive industry in Kentucky, Ohio, and South Carolina, he has been actively involved in supporting Japanese investment, manufacturing excellence, and workforce development in Kentucky. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK), Randy contributes his industry insight and practical experience in U.S.–Japan business collaboration. He supports JASK’s mission to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and strong economic partnerships between Japan and Kentucky, particularly in the automotive sector. Weber is known for his commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement, as well as his support for community engagement in the regions where TOPY America operates. Lori Werth - UPIKE Lori Werth is at the University of Pikeville (Pikeville, KY) serving as the Provost and leading the following units: Academic Affairs, Osteopathic Medicine, Optometry, Dental Medicine, Admissions, Student Affairs, Student Success, Advancement, and Public Relations. Her experiences in higher education include serving in the following leadership roles: Vice President for Enrollment Management, Associate Professor of Education, Department Chair, Student Services Coordinator, and International Programs Manager. In June 2022, Dr. Werth was recognized as a Fulbright Scholar. She had the opportunity to learn about Japan’s education system as well as establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues over the course of the grant. Dr. Lori Werth is beginning her 26th year serving in higher education. As a first-generation student who immigrated from Bucharest, Romania, Dr. Werth has specific interests in serving rural, first-generation students in higher education. That young girl who arrived on an airplane with her parents and learned how to read and speak English was encouraged to attend college, and later in life earned a doctoral degree. Lori is married to Dr. Eric Werth who is also employed at the University of Pikeville and has three daughters - Erica, Emily, and Ellie. |