International Women’s Month The Wesleyan Way-Summer (Crick) Aldridge ’14

Summer (Crick) Aldridge ’14 is a dynamic leader whose passion for community engagement and economic development has earned her recognition as one of Owensboro’s top professionals. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing, Special Projects, and Administrative Support at the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), where she works to position Owensboro-Daviess County as a prime destination for business investment and growth.

A native of Madisonville, Ky. Summer has a track record of leadership in both the public and private sectors. She was named Hopkins County’s Citizen of the Year in 2019 and made the 30 Under 30 list for her significant contributions to local development. She also co-founded the Hopkins County Young Professionals, an organization focused on fostering leadership among young adults in the region. In 2023, Summer was recognized on Owensboro’s 40 Under 40 list.

Prior to joining GOEDC, Summer held multiple leadership roles at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she served as Director of Alumni Relations and later Senior Director of Engagement. Her efforts in these positions were pivotal in strengthening alumni relationships, including launching successful events and programs to connect alumni with students and the broader community. Summer also spearheaded strategic initiatives to support career exploration for current students, ensuring they were well-prepared for life after graduation. Her contributions at KWC earned her recognition as Staff Member of the Year in 2022.

In addition to her time at KWC, Summer made a lasting impact through her community development work in Madisonville and with the Green River Area Development District. Her efforts in tourism, beautification, and downtown revitalization earned her multiple accolades. Summer is also a successful entrepreneur, co-owning Something Borrowed, an event rental and planning business and a 2-time nominee for Owensboro’s Emerging Business of the Year. Her diverse skills and commitment to improving her community have led to leadership recognition in various local organizations and numerous other accolades.

She is married to her Wesleyan sweetheart, Kirk Aldridge ’17, and together they share their home with their two beloved dogs, Mako and Rupert.

Keep an eye out as we continue highlighting more amazing KWC alumnae throughout #WomensHistoryMonth! This year, we honor nearly 135 years of female alumnae, as KWC was one of the first co-ed higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, welcoming female students since the early 1890s.