With the support of hundreds of county elected officials from across the Commonwealth, Union County Judge/Executive Adam O’Nan has been installed as the 2025-26 President of the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo). He was sworn in last week during the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition.
“KACo’s guidance, support and advocacy for counties have been invaluable, and I’m honored to give back to this organization and our members,” O’Nan said. “A life of purpose in serving others and our communities is a noble and worthwhile calling, and KACo is there every step of the way to help county officials in that service.
“As KACo President, I’m committed to pushing for real solutions to address rising costs for counties, strengthening relationships with state leaders, and lifting up the work of counties across our great Commonwealth.”
O’Nan was appointed Union County judge/executive in 2018 and is now serving in his second full term. He joined the KACo Executive Committee in 2022 after being elected by his fellow county officials, and since then has taken an active role in shaping statewide policy discussions.
“KACo looks forward to Judge O’Nan’s servant leadership approach; he lives out public service every day, understanding the issues impacting counties firsthand,” said KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson. “He has the trust and respect of his fellow county officials, as well as decision-makers in Frankfort and Washington. Judge O’Nan will be an effective representative for county leaders across the Commonwealth.”
State legislators also praised O’Nan’s leadership and collaboration.
“As an approachable leader who cares about people, Judge O’Nan will be a great leader for KACo. Congratulations to my friend on this important role,” said Sen. Robby Mills.
“When I met Judge O’Nan, I recognized he was someone that wanted to serve his community,” said Rep. Suzanne Miles. “He was the right person Union County needed to go forward. As he accepts this new responsibility with KACo, same as before, he’s the right person to take KACo in a great journey forward. We should all thank him and join him to help Kentucky be better than when we started.”
Rooted in his Union County upbringing, O’Nan grew up on a family farm in Sturgis, where the O’Nans raised corn, soybeans, hay crops, hogs and cattle. Before entering public service, he joined his father as a partner in Land O’Nan Farms, helping expand the operation over three decades. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in accounting.
O’Nan is the first Union Countian to serve as KACo President. Serving with him on the 2025-26 KACo Executive Committee are Oldham County Michael Logsdon (President-elect), Green County PVA Sean Curry (1st Vice President), Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Ammer Riley (2nd Vice President) and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley (Immediate Past President).
Founded in 1974, KACo is dedicated to serving as the unified voice of county governments in the Commonwealth. KACo represents more than 1,500 elected county officials – including judge/executives, magistrates and commissioners, sheriffs, jailers, county clerks, circuit court clerks, county attorneys, commonwealth’s attorneys, property valuation administrators and coroners – in all 120 Kentucky counties.
