President, Kentucky Coal Association –
Sam McKown was named President of the Kentucky Coal Association in July 2025.
Prior to joining KCA, Sam was a national political consultant and pollster. In 2023, he served as Political Director for U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s presidential campaign. He has also served as an aide to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) in Washington, D.C., and as an aide to Governor Bevin in Kentucky.
Sam grew up in Ohio County, Kentucky, and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.