FRANKFORT, KY, February 05, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Letitia "Tish" Shade, IOM, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence in relationship building within her community, Ms. Shade has distinguished herself as president and chief executive officer of the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce since 2021. Over her five-year tenure, she has overseen the chamber's leadership development program, including the launch of an innovative workforce development initiative for high school seniors called L.A.S.E.R. (Leadership, Accountability, Skills & Employment Readiness).

By securing sponsorships to support this program, Ms. Shade has demonstrated her commitment to fostering local talent and strengthening the region's long-term economic future. She is also actively engaged in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Fellowship, where her laser program serves as a model for regional development planning and has gained national recognition.

In 2025 when Frankfort Kentucky had historic flooding, Ms. Shade worked to secure grants for the victims in her community. She received $25,000 from the Rotary International District, $10,000 from AT&T and $5,000 from Walmart. She is working closely with the Rotary Club of Frankfort to access and distribute the funds as needed.

Prior to assuming her executive role, Ms. Shade built a robust foundation in the chamber industry, accumulating 15 years of progressive experience upon entering the field in 2000. She began her career in membership sales, where she quickly advanced through various positions by leveraging her expertise in community engagement and organizational growth.

Before dedicating herself to chamber work, Ms. Shade contributed to business development at a financial institution, where she honed her skills in client relations, networking and strategic planning. Earlier in her career, she worked with a pre-paid financial card service in the plasma industry, traveling globally to secure financing for projects within the blood plasma sector. This international exposure broadened her perspective and enhanced her ability to navigate complex business environments.

Alongside her primary work with the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Shade was elected board president of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives in October of 2025, reflecting her outstanding leadership within the state's business community. She is also past president of the Rotary Club of Frankfort and currently serves as assistant governor for District 6710 in Kentucky under Rotary International, further underscoring her dedication to civic engagement and service. Ms. Shade was named Rotarian of the Year in 2023 for her club activities, including recruiting new members.

Ms. Shade holds Six Sigma – Project Management certification from Villanova University and a Certificate in Chamber Management from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Her academic background includes coursework in business management and early childhood development, all of which has provided a strong foundation for her multifaceted career. She is also certified by the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) through the United States Chamber of Commerce, equipping her with advanced skills in organizational leadership and governance.

Reflecting on her storied journey to date, Ms. Shade attributes much of her success to her personal drive and the unwavering love and support of her husband, Mark, of 25 years. She acknowledges his encouragement as pivotal in enabling her to pursue ambitious goals while maintaining a balance between her professional responsibilities and family life.

Ms. Shade's longstanding commitment to community service extends to her volunteer roles with the advisory committee at Frankfort Regional Medical Center as well as the Thorn Hill Education Center Board, highlighting her dedication to improving health care access and educational opportunities within her region.

Also a deeply devoted family woman, Ms. Shade is the proud mother of four children and four stepchildren as well as a Nana to 10 grandchildren. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys attending performing arts events with her husband, boating on the weekends, and creating travel and lifestyle content for both her Facebook & Instagram pages, Travel With Tish: The Shady Lady.

Determined to further her impact in the future, Ms. Shade aims to elevate her community by implementing regional initiatives that address local needs and enhance quality of life for Frankfort residents. She remains committed to serving as a catalyst for positive change, striving to bring new amenities and opportunities to its citizens through visionary leadership, advocacy and collaborative action.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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