Hopkinsville native Eugene Poole Jr. — an architect who has directed several major projects in Washington, D.C. — will be the keynote speaker for the Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s 136th annual dinner Tuesday, June 17, at the Bruce Convention Center.
Poole led the restoration project for the U.S. Capitol Dome, which was completed in 2016, and oversaw design and construction for the last four U.S. presidential inauguration ceremonies.“
An accomplished visual artist, his work celebrates cultural heritage and community pride,” a Chamber of Commerce announcement states. “From small-town Kentucky to a leadership role in Washington, D.C., Dr. Poole’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and staying connected to one’s roots.”
A 1978 graduate of Hopkinsville High School, he completed an associate’s degree at Hopkinsville Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Kentucky. In all, he has earned four bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and a doctorate, which he completed at the Howard University School of Divinity.
Poole, who also served in the U.S. Air Force immediately after graduating from UK in 1985, is an accomplished artist and an ordained minister. His art includes paintings, tapestries and quilts.
One of his quilt projects celebrates Black jockeys who have ridden Kentucky Derby horses. There are 31 quilts in Reflections N Black: Kentucky Derby Jockeys, which is currently on display at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in Louisville.
Poole currently serves as deputy chief administrative officer for the architect of the U.S. Capitol, where he helps oversee care and operation of historic landmarks.
The theme for the chamber dinner is Kentucky Home-Grown. Tickets are $80 a person for chamber members and $100 for non-members. The social hour begins at 5 p.m. The dinner and program begin at 6 p.m. Registration and additional information about table reservations is available online.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
