Central Kentucky businessperson John Knight is the newest member of the Hardin Memorial Health Foundation (HMHF) Board of Directors. Knight joins 23 regional leaders who steer the organization committed to strengthening HMH.
“We are delighted to have John join our board,” said Joe Prather, HMHF Board Chair. “A successful, self-made business and community leader like John will add perspective and ideas that will make our Foundation and, in turn, HMH stronger.”
Knight and his wife, Elaine, founded Knights Mechanical, providers of residential, commercial and industrial plumbing, HVAC and other services, in 1980 with a single truck and two employees. Today, the business operates in Elizabethtown and Glasgow, and employs more than 150 people, serving customers throughout South Central Kentucky.
Knight earned state and national industry recognition and serves on industry boards. The Hardin County native is also a longtime youth sports referee and a member of the 5th Region Referee Hall of Fame.
John said serving on the Foundation board is an honor given the legacy of the visionary leaders who established HMH more than 60 years ago.
“We have to continue their work,” said Knight. “We have to help make HMH even stronger for the people of Central Kentucky.”
Knight added it was important to keep HMH growing so people can receive the best care in “their own backyard.”
In just two years, HMHF raised more than $1.8 million to fund breakthrough initiatives like HMH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a state of the art pediatric therapeutic playground housed at the HMH’s Therapy and Sports Medicine Center on Ring Road in Elizabethtown. Most recently, the Foundation hosted a cancer awareness event that secured over $12,000 for specialized cooling caps for HMH cancer care patients.
Prather emphasized that the Foundation is just getting started and Knight’s leadership will be invaluable.
“We have more we need to do to make sure HMH can provide the most advanced healthcare close to home,” said Prather. “I am excited about the future of our healthcare system, and I thank John for joining our effort.”
Prather emphasized that because HMH pays all staff expenses for the Foundation, 100 percent of the funds HMHF receives go directly to HMH projects.
“HMH is important to our local economy and the Foundation’s work is essential to keep HMH strong,” said Knight. “I’m proud to join this Board because I love this community.”
