2025 Knox County Chamber of Commerce Honorees Announced Ahead of Annual Banquet

Co-Women of the Year: Milton Dunaway &  Mary Alice Lay
Milton Dunaway, was born in London, Kentucky but has lived her entire life on Cumberland Avenue here in Barbourville. She is a graduate of Barbourville High School, Union College and the University of Kentucky. She began her career with the Knox County School System in the Title One Program, then taught Home Economics at Knox Central for more than 2 decades. After retirement, Ms. Dunaway operated Dunaway’s Dresses, again on Cumberland Avenue, providing prom, pageant and wedding attire to areas most beautiful young women. Ms. Dunaway has been active in numerous committees and organizations, including the Dr. Thomas Walker DAR, Phi Delta Kappa, the Barbourville women’s Study Club, the First United Methodist Church, and the Southeastern Kentucky Fine Arts Association, to name a few. Ms. Dunaway considers her crowning achievement to be her 2 adult children: Dr. Robert Dunaway of Barbourville and Ms. Nancy Alice Dunaway of Lexington.
Mary Alice Lay is graduate of Barbourville High School, Union College and the University of Kentucky. She was born in Harlan but has lived the majority her life on Cumberland Avenue here in Barbourville. Ms. Lay was employed by State Farm Insurance for several years. Later she perused a career at Union College for over 55 years; First in Home Economics Department, then Alumni Director, and finishing her last 44 years in the Education Department. To mark her long and dedicated service, Ms. Lay was awarded an honorary doctorate by Union College. Ms. Lay has been active in many associations and clubs, including the Dr. Thomas Walker DAR, Phi Delta Kappa, the First United Methodist Church and the Barbourville Women’s Study Club. Ms. Lay has held various offices in each of these. She currently resides with her sister on Cumberland Avenue.Dr.

Man of the Year: DJ Washington
Dr. DJ Washington was named the 20th President of Union Commonwealth University on January 1, 2025. He had previously been appointed Interim President in February 2024 after serving as Vice Chairman with the Board of Trustees at Union.
He has a dynamic blend of experience from corporate leadership, intercollegiate athletics, and higher education. A nationally recognized leader and strategic thinker, Dr. Washington is known for his bold vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to student success.
Before assuming the presidency at Union, Dr. Washington held innovative and inaugural leadership roles as Senior Vice President at Athlete Network in Kansas and overseeing employer and regional engagement at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. A first-generation college student from Cedar Hill, Tennessee, Dr. Washington is a proud Union alumnus, earning his bachelor’s degree in communication and marketing. As an undergraduate, he served as student government president, associate student trustee, admissions ambassador, and vice president of the student conduct board, while also captain of the men’s basketball team. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy studies from the University of Kansas.
As president, Dr. Washington is leading Union through a bold transformation. His strategic plan includes an immediate $6.2 million revenue growth strategy, a $3 million cost-reduction initiative, and a historic capital campaign to restore Centennial Hall and renew Union’s community-filled campus. Under his leadership, Union is launching new academic programs, renovating student residences and athletic facilities, and expanding partnerships with K–12 schools, faith communities, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and other higher education institutions.
This month, Union revealed the numbers of its historic tuition-free pathway offered to Knox County graduates, Class of 2026. This initiative has resulted in 92% participation, which equals more than 235 seniors applying to Union Commonwealth University for a debt-free educational experience.
Dr. Washington’s wife, Amy, is a public-school educator, nationally board certified with 18 years of classroom experience. The first lady hopes to elevate Union’s efforts on childhood education and expand its commitment toward healthy lifestyle interventions for Barbourville & Knox County communities. Together, they are the proud parents of four sons: Kylan, Kamden, Kyrie, and Kamari – who attend Barbourville Independent Schools.

Governor James D. Black Award: Charles Dion Pickard
Charles Dion Pickard of Barbourville, Kentucky, was a devoted husband, loving father, and respected member of his community. A man of deep faith and steadfast character, Dion lived a life defined by service, family, and integrity.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Dion was the son of Donald and June Pickard and the beloved brother of Dowanna Ramsey.
He was the proud husband of Jennifer Pickard, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Together they raised four children: Donna Tatman, Dayna Branum, Diondra Warren, and Charles Pickard. They were his greatest joy and accomplishment.
Dion found immense pride and happiness in his grandchildren: Kason Warren, Nora Branum, Indy Branum, Arabella Tatman, and Aurora Warren. His face would light up whenever he spoke of them, and his love for his family was evident in all that he did.
A man deeply rooted in faith, Dion was a deacon of First Baptist Church of Barbourville and a faithful member of his congregation. He dedicated his time to helping others and serving his community. He was always guided by his strong belief in God and compassion for people.
Beyond his faith and family, Dion was a car enthusiast and the proud owner of Pickard Chrysler, where he built lasting relationships through honesty, hard work, and integrity. He was known for his warm smile, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his commitment to doing things the right way.
Those who knew Dion will remember his generosity, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family and community. His legacy continues through those he loved and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and example.

Business of the Year: Jackson WWS Inc.
For a century, Jackson has stood at the forefront of commercial dishwasher manufacturing. Our journey began in 1925 when Otto Jackson entered the industry with his round dishwasher, the Model 1, in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the past 100 years, we’ve expanded to an impressive 100 distinct models, 71 of which have achieved the prestigious ENERGY STAR 3.0 Certification, demonstrating the highest level of energy and water efficiency. Our ‘Clean the First Time’ philosophy is more than just a slogan – it’s our promise to our customers, reflecting Jackson’s commitment to excellence in every application.
Although our journey began in Ohio, we are now rooted in the heart of the Appalachian region. We proudly manufacture our products in Gray, Kentucky. Each dishwasher we produce represents not just a hard-working piece of equipment but a century of engineering expertise and millions of collective work hours from our American workforce.
The hard work of our employees has rewarded Jackson with outstanding growth, as our business has tripled in size over the past ten years. Our 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility has an ISO 9001-2015 Certified Quality System and we are recognized as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. Jackson has over 300 employees who annually produce over 19,000 dishmachines for the commercial foodservice market. All Jackson dishmachines are designed and manufactured here in Knox County, Kentucky.
Reflecting on our remarkable one-hundred-year history, we are filled with immense pride. Jackson remains committed to innovating for the evolving needs of commercial dishwashers and their users, ready for the next Century of Excellence.