Founder/CEO

Leslie grew up in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, deeply connected to her family’s railroad heritage and the stories told to her by her grandfather, a former L&N railroad engineer with Cherokee roots. These early experiences instilled in her a love for storytelling, history, and community, shaping her sense of purpose and commitment to preserving Kentucky’s rural heritage.

After spending a decade working in the bourbon industry, Leslie pursued studies in Travel, Tourism, and Event Management, balancing full-time work with academic excellence—maintaining a high GPA and earning Dean’s List recognition throughout her tenure. Her passion for community was evident early on through extensive volunteer work and leading fundraising efforts to support friends and neighbors in need.

Later, she would meet and marry her husband, Isaac, a 3rd generation farmer, and move to Bardstown on the family farm he now owned and grew up on. As their family grew, the Tucker's were faced with an unexpected transformation in generational ownership of the farm, and forced to make significant adjustments and rethink their approach to managing the land, in order for it to survive.

Armed with her education, passion and continued interest within the tourism sector, Leslie began to take agriculture management courses online at night, and attend various workshops held across the country on the subject of sustainable agriculture, determined to do her part to support their farm's future and see it operate as a more profitable business.

This deepening knowledge, combined with firsthand experience of the challenges facing family farms, revealed a critical need for resources and community support. Inspired by this realization, she later founded the Kentucky Agritourism Association to help farmers diversify income, preserve farmland, and strengthen rural communities through agritourism innovation.

As Founder and CEO, Leslie combines her background in tourism, her connection to Kentucky’s agricultural roots, and her commitment to community development to empower rural entrepreneurs. Through education, marketing, and partnerships, she leads efforts to preserve farmland and promote sustainable agritourism, ensuring Kentucky’s farming legacy thrives for generations to come.

Lee Sanders, a third-generation farmer from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, brings a wealth of hands-on agricultural experience to his role as Agribusiness Field Director. At Sanders Farms, Lee manages a diverse operation that includes raising honey bees, tending Angus cattle, selling and baling hay, and running a popular fall agritourism destination featuring a pumpkin patch and family-friendly activities. His deep connection to the land and active involvement in the farming community fuel his passion for farm conservation and sustainable practices.

In his role as Agribusiness Field Director here at the Kentucky Agritourism Association, Lee leverages this rich background to support and guide Kentucky farmers in enhancing their operations and successfully incorporating agritourism. Drawing on his ongoing education in maintenance support and practical farming knowledge, Lee provides candid, practical advice to members on improving farm efficiency, conservation efforts, and visitor experiences. He leads workshops, offers personalized consultations, and shares best practices to help farms diversify income streams while preserving their agricultural heritage.

Lee’s unique blend of traditional farming expertise and agritourism leadership makes him an invaluable resource for farmers seeking to grow their businesses sustainably and connect with the broader community.

A proud native of Bullitt County, Kentucky, Tami now calls Nelson County home, where she and her husband, Derek, nurture their small farmstead with a deep passion for sustainable agriculture. Their lively household includes four dogs, three cats, and a cherished flock of chickens—all lovingly raised as part of their commitment to farm life and animal care.

With a strong background in the finance industry, Tami brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Leads and Development Coordinator at the Kentucky Agritourism Association. 

Her unique blend of skills helps bridge the gap between agriculture and business, supporting local farms and agritourism ventures across the state.

When she’s not working, Tami embraces the great outdoors—tending to a large garden, camping with her family, and exploring new places through travel. She is also deeply dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected animals, reflecting her compassionate spirit and love for all creatures.

Tami’s commitment to sustainable living, community, and animal welfare shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the Kentucky Agritourism Association family.

Amanda is the vibrant heart of our Marketing and Communications team, bringing over a decade of leadership experience and a genuine passion for connecting people. Growing up in rural Nelson County, she developed a deep understanding of the farming community, which shines through in her natural ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate with authenticity and empathy.

As a proud mother of Connor and Hadley, Amanda balances her professional dedication with a rich family life. When she’s not driving impactful outreach initiatives for the Kentucky Agritourism Association, you’ll likely find her at the race track, enthusiastically cheering on her partner, Chet, as he races.

Amanda’s blend of expertise, warmth, and community spirit makes her an invaluable force in bringing our mission to life and connecting farms with the people who love them.