Kentucky Chamber Elects New Chair for 2026-2027 Term
Fifth Third Bank executive Kim Halbauer will lead the association, influencing the state's upcoming business policy agenda.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has elected Kim Halbauer to serve as its board chair for the 2026-2027 term. Halbauer, currently the regional president of Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky, succeeds Condrad Daniels in the leadership role.
Why it matters
The chamber chair sets the legislative and policy agenda for the state's largest business association, influencing advocacy priorities for operators across Kentucky. Halbauer brings experience from managing a $12 billion asset portfolio and overseeing services for 3,000 clients.
The incoming chair oversees a leadership transition at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce after managing $12 billion in assets and 3,000 clients in her previous executive role. The appointment marks a continuation of leadership following the 2025-2026 term served by Condrad Daniels.
The players
Kim Halbauer
Regional president of Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky, who oversees institutional banking services and now leads the state chamber of commerce.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
The primary business advocacy association in Kentucky that represents member interests before state regulators and the legislature.
Condrad Daniels
The outgoing chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for the 2025-2026 term.
Les Fugate
The newly named chair-elect of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce scheduled to assume the position in 2027.
The details
As regional president of Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky, Halbauer has spent 30 years with the institution, moving from managing private banking operations in Cincinnati to her current state-level executive position. Her election to the chamber chair position includes the appointment of a new executive committee and board of directors that will guide the organization's engagement with state regulators and lawmakers through 2027.
Timeline
2020: Kim Halbauer named regional president of Fifth Third Bank.
2025-2026: Condrad Daniels served as Kentucky Chamber chair.
2026-2027: Kim Halbauer to serve as Kentucky Chamber chair.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows the leadership structure established during the 2025-2026 Kentucky Chamber of Commerce term. The shift formalizes the board's strategic continuity heading into the 2026-2027 cycle.
Operators in Kentucky should monitor the incoming chair's policy focus to anticipate new advocacy shifts regarding state tax, labor, or regulatory environments. Her tenure begins officially for the 2026-2027 term, marking a pivotal period for chamber-led legislative outreach.
The takeaway
Kim Halbauer's background in private banking and asset management signals a likely focus on financial and economic competitiveness for the state chamber. Business owners should review the chamber's updated 2026 legislative platform once released to align their own operational priorities with the group's agenda.
Further reading
For more on the individuals shaping the state business climate, explore Kentucky People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bottom Line.
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