McLean Profile Page

COMPANY PROFILE

McLean Communications, developed in 1995 by its President and CEO Gene McLean, is based in Midway, Ky. It is located in the heart of the world-renown Thoroughbred industry and just minutes from Frankfort -- the capitol of Kentucky. According to McLean, who was born and raised in the little town, there was no better place to begin a communications business that specializes in governmental relations, association management/communications, Website development/management, and the equine business.

For much of his life, McLean, now 46, has prepared to launch his own communications company that combines his experiences and skills. As a teenager, McLean grew up working on farms surrounding the community and working in the feed business. After high school, McLean graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with high distinction (3.7 grade point average out of a possible 4.0) and a dual Bachelor of Science degrees in journalism and history, with minors in public relations and political science.

Upon graduation from college, McLean joined the staff of the "Lexington Herald-Leader," a major daily newspaper located in Lexington, Ky. as a sportswriter. For 11 years, McLean covered a variety of sports, including both Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding and racing. In that span, McLean won numerous state and national awards for his reporting and writing skills and, in 1986, was honored as the "Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year" by his colleagues throughout the Commonwealth.

In 1988, McLean decided to take a professional turn. In December, McLean was selected from a wide range of candidates and named the Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders Association. For four years, McLean oversaw the day-to-day operations of the powerful association and was responsible for the oversight of all legislative issues. During two sessions, McLean was part of a team that was able to pass two pieces of legislation that greatly enhanced horse racing simulcasting and horsemen’s purses.

In 1992, McLean was selected by Kentucky’s four major thoroughbred racetracks (Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Keeneland and Turfway Park) to spearhead the formation of a new company (Kentucky Off-Track Betting, Inc.) and create remote simulcast facilities throughout the Commonwealth. Over a 3 ½-year span, McLean started four simulcast facilities (Corbin, Jamestown, Maysville, Pineville) that created new revenues for both the tracks and horsemen.

In April of 1995, McLean made another career move. It was time for the creation of McLean Communications, a company that specializes in association management, legislative oversight, corporate communications, and Website development/management.

Currently, McLean Communications oversees the day-to-day management and all lobbying efforts of the Malt Beverage Education Corporation – a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to reduce and eliminate under-age drinking in the Commonwealth. In addition, the company also serves as the Executive Director and Legislative Liaison for the Kentucky Court Reporters Association, McCormick Construction, Weststate Construction, Appalachian Racing, The Red Mile, The Harness Horsemen’s Association, and others.

Website Development and Management has become an important part of all our communication projects. Currently, McLean Communications is providing these services to a number of clients, including the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association, the Kentucky Beer Wholesalers Association, the Malt Beverage Education Corporation, the Kentucky Court Reporters Association, and others.

DAVE BAKER/MEDIA CONSULTANT

Dave Baker, a sportscaster for WKYT-TV in Lexington and a valuable member of the University of Kentucky basketball and football network, joined McLean Communications as a media consultant about four years ago.

After graduating from Georgetown College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science, Baker joined the broadcast team at WKYT-TV in Lexington. Since then, he has expanded his role in both television and radio throughout Kentucky and the Southeast. He currently co-hosts a morning television/radio talk show with Tom Leach, the voice of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. In addition, Baker serves as a regular on the Jefferson Pilot broadcast team that televises Southeastern Conference games.

In a joint effort with McLean Communications, Baker has become a leading spokesperson for the Malt Beverage Education Corporation – a not-for-profit organization whose singular mission is to reduce and eliminate under-age drinking in the Commonwealth. Over the past four years, Baker has solicited such notable personalities as Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch and world-renown actress Ashley Judd to help produce videos and commercials on behalf of MBEC.

In addition, Baker and McLean have teamed up on several projects, including the production of several television specials featuring The Red Mile and the Kentucky Futurity, the final leg of the Trotting Triple Crown.

TERRI McLEAN/MEDIA CONSULTANT

Terri McLean, who spent 21 years at The Lexington Herald-Leader in a variety of capacities, joined her husband at McLean Communications in 2001.

McLean graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Philosophy, with a teaching certificate. After working for several smaller newspapers, including the one in Madisonville, Ky., she joined the staff of The Lexington Herald-Leader. During her 21-year tenure, she worked in advertising, promotions, and in several creative new media ventures. For many years, McLean was the chief writer and editor of the popular "Newspaper in Education" series that The Herald-Leader provided schools throughout Kentucky. In addition, she coordinated the successful "A Storybook Christmas" promotion, in which the paper donated books to thousands of school children throughout Kentucky during the Holiday season. McLean won national acclaim for a special edition series on the "Holocaust." That series was circulated to Knight-Ridder owned papers throughout North America.

After spending much of the past year in the classroom at Woodford County High School, McLean joined the family business as a free-lance writer and editor. She has been the writer/editor of a newspaper supplement that has been circulated to over 300 high schools in Kentucky concerning the dangers of under-age drinking.

RICH DECKER/EQUINE CONSULTANT

Rich Decker, the former President of WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., joined McLean Communications earlier this year to help in equine related matters and issues.

Decker obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Ohio State University in June of 1985. Since then, he was manager of Belle Reve Farm from 1985 to 1987, general manager of Prestonwood Farm from May 1987 to January 2000, and President of WinStar Farm.

Deck is actively involved in the Thoroughbred Club of America, as a director of the Kentucky Farm Managers Club, as a member of the Communications Committee for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and as a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.

He is now actively involved in the bloodstock business, and is anticipating taking his real estate license test in the near future.

SHARON ALEXANDER TURNER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sharon Alexander Turner serves as the Administrative Assistant at McLean Communications and is an invaluable member of the team.

Turner -- who grew up on several area farms and involved in the thoroughbred industry in several capacities with her father, Henry Alexander -- is the company’s chief communication’s liaison with all clients and oversees all company accounting.

In addition, Turner is the Chief Executive Officer of Midway Publications and "The Kentucky Beverage Journal," and the Chief Administrative Assistant of the Kentucky Beer Wholesalers Association. Turner oversees all aspects of publishing "The Kentucky Beverage Journal," a monthly magazine dedicated to covering the beverage industry in Kentucky. She also organizes much of the daily communication needs of the KBWA and its membership.

Previously, Turner worked for two of the most noted periodicals in the Thoroughbred industry. From July 1980 to May of 1983, Turner worked for "The Thoroughbred Record." From May 1983 to May of 1985, Turner worked for "The Blood-Horse." While employed at both of the magazines, Turner gained valuable experience in producing and maintaining monthly magazines that have won international acclaim.