FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University’s School of Business and Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy will host the 2026 Annual Federal Reserve Luncheon Sept. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Carl M. Hill Student Center Ballroom.
Seema Sheth
Featured speakers will be Seema Sheth, senior vice president and regional executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and Tanelle Sawyer, chief external impact officer for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
The annual luncheon brings together students, faculty, staff and community members to hear from leaders working at the intersection of education, economic opportunity and workforce development. The event is presented in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Louisville Branch.
“This event creates an important connection between what students are learning at Kentucky State and the economic and workforce issues shaping communities across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Amanda Fickey, associate director of research, development and partnerships in the School of Business. “By bringing leaders from the Federal Reserve and KCTCS to campus, we are giving students an opportunity to hear different perspectives, ask questions, and consider how their education can prepare them to contribute.”
The program continues a longstanding collaboration between Kentucky State’s School of Business and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Louisville Branch. The Federal Reserve Luncheon was developed by Dr. Abdul Turay during his tenure as chair of the School of Business.
“For many years, the Kentucky State School of Business and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Louisville Branch, have collaborated to bring this program to our campus,” Dr. Gary Stratton said. “We are pleased to continue that tradition through this year’s featured speakers.”
Sheth has led the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis since December 2021. The branch serves southern Indiana and western Kentucky. Before joining the Federal Reserve, Sheth was vice president and relationship strategist at PNC Private Bank in Louisville.
Sheth also founded the Adulting Academy, an initiative designed to teach young adults foundational financial skills. Louisville Business First named her a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2024 after previously recognizing her among its 20 People to Know in Wealth Management and Financial Planning.
Tanelle Sawyer
Sawyer was named KCTCS chief external impact officer in 2024 after serving as the system’s associate vice president of economic development, where she focused on strengthening relationships with employers and industry partners.
Her previous experience includes managing workforce and industry programs at Greater Louisville Inc. and serving in student support roles at the University of Louisville and Jefferson Community and Technical College. Sawyer also has international teaching experience in Korea and Belize and is a past president of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Murray State University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Louisville.
Through the annual luncheon, Kentucky State aims to connect students with leaders involved in the financial, education and workforce sectors while providing a broader look at economic issues affecting employers and communities across Kentucky.
For more information, contact Stratton at [email protected] or 502-209-0064.