Leadership Team

  • A man wearing a black vest and baseball cap with 'Leiper's Fork Distillery' logo, standing inside a rustic, wood-paneled building with string lights hanging from the ceiling, arms crossed, smiling.

    Lee Locke Kennedy

    Owner & Chief Distiller

    Lee, a 7th generation Williamson Co. resident, founded Leiper’s Fork Distillery in 2016 with his family, aiming to revive small-batch whiskey production in the county. His deep roots fuel a passion for local history and community success. Before entering the spirits industry, Lee was an investor and worked in wealth management. Lee’s background uniquely positions him to lead the distillery’s growth while honoring tradition.

    Lee is an alumnus of Montgomery Bell Academy and holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Auburn University.

  • A woman with blonde hair smiling, standing inside a wooden barn, wearing a dark blue T-shirt with 'Leiper's Fork Distillery' logo and a necklace that says 'Lynee'.

    Lynlee Kennedy

    Owner, Events & Experience

    Lynlee is a longtime resident of Williamson County, Tennessee. She oversees hospitality operations and private on-site events across our locations, creating memorable guest experiences for both locals and visitors. Lynlee combines strong business acumen with genuine Southern hospitality, helping guide the continued growth of the distillery as a standout in Tennessee’s craft whiskey community.

    Lynlee holds a B.A. in Finance from Auburn University.

  • Several large wooden wine barrels on a wooden pallet shelf in a cellar, with a bottle of liquor placed on the shelf among the barrels.

    Keeley Locke

    VP, Operations 

    Keeley is an 8th generation Tennessean. Prior to entering the spirits industry, Keeley served as Director of Technology for a Fortune 30 business. She’s the Founding EP of Near Future; a community of investors and entrepreneurs focused on solving global challenges. While incubating Near Future, she led community engagement for Obvious Ventures, an SF based VC investing in world positive startups.

    Keeley holds a B.A. in History from Cumberland University and an MSc in Human Rights & International Political Science from the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

  • A woman with curly brown hair, wearing a uniform with patches, standing in a rustic, warmly lit interior of a brewery or similar establishment.

    April Boehler

    General Manager, Leiper’s Fork Distillery 

    April Boehler is a 9th generation Tennessean. Prior to her time in the spirits industry, April spent her time developing her own small business as a consulting textile conservator and designer. Today she oversees daily operations of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, leads a dedicated team, and ensures that every aspect of the guest experience and whiskey-making process reflects the distillery’s deep Tennessee roots. A proud descendant of Hickman County moonshiners, April is dedicated to carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship, honoring tradition while helping shape the distillery’s future through growth, authenticity, and community connection.

    April holds a B.A. in Consumer Science from Lipscomb University

  • A woman with brown hair tied up in a bun, standing with arms crossed, smiling at the camera inside a wooden rustic-style venue.

    Kendra Anderson

    Head Distiller, Leiper’s Fork Distillery 

    Kendra is a near lifelong resident of Leiper’s Fork. She began her career in the spirits industry as a mash cook, working closely alongside our founder and Chief Distiller, Lee Kennedy, where she learned the craft from the ground up. Through dedication and talent, Kendra quickly rose through the ranks and was named Head Distiller in 2023.

    Today, she leads the distillation process with expert craftsmanship and a deep respect for tradition. Blending precision with creative vision, Kendra helps ensure that every barrel reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality and authenticity. From grain to glass, she plays a vital role in shaping the distinctive character of every spirit produced at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.

  • A smiling woman with tattoos, short blonde hair, and piercings, standing with arms crossed inside a rustic wooden building with warm lighting and chandeliers.

    Devin Walden 

    Director of Production and Head Distiller, Nashville Yards 

    A Kentucky native, Devin Walden is a seasoned distiller with over eight years of experience, spanning from startup craft distilleries to large-scale operations, including her time as Master Distiller at Big Machine Distillery and previous work at Woodford Reserve. Her expertise encompasses all aspects of distillery building, management, and operations. 

    Devin holds a B.A. in Business Administration and MBA from Midway University and a Certificate in Distillation Studies from University of Kentucky.

  • A smiling man with a beard, wearing a black polo shirt with a small emblem on the chest, standing inside a rustic wooden building with exposed beams and warm lighting.

    Sterling Rogers

    Head Distiller, House of Spirits

    A native Tennessean, served for 13 years in the Army National Guard as both a bomb tech (EOD) and a combat medic. Sterling brings a rich and well-rounded background in the spirits industry, blending hands-on experience with academic expertise. He has honed his skills behind the bar and in the field as a brand ambassador for a variety of well-known spirits brands. Known for his innovative spirit and sharp palate, Sterling has earned a stellar reputation as an experimental distiller- fearlessly exploring new techniques while maintaining a deep respect for time-honored traditions. His work reflects both creativity and craftsmanship, making him a standout talent in the next generation of distillers.

    Sterling is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University’s prestigious Fermentation Science program.

  • A man with a beard and a baseball cap smiling with arms crossed, standing inside a wooden building or brewery.

    Ben Hobbs

    Director, Sales & Distribution 

    Ben, a Nashville native, has spent 15 years in the alcohol industry, gaining deep experience across all facets of sales and brand building in the Middle Tennessee market.

    He joined the Leiper’s Fork Distillery team in 2023 to lead sales strategy and distributor relations, bringing a seasoned understanding of market dynamics and long-standing relationships throughout the region. Ben is focused on expanding Leiper’s Fork from a respected Middle Tennessee brand into a recognized national presence, championing the distillery’s grain‑to‑glass approach and commitment to authentic Tennessee whiskey heritage.

    Ben is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University.

  • Several wooden barrels in a cellar or warehouse, with a bottle of liquor placed on one of the middle shelves.

    Meghan Bridges

    Director of Marketing

    Meghan started in the beverage industry in 2008, after just turning 21 years old, eventually becoming the Store Manager at a wine and spirits shop in Memphis, TN. From there, she went to Old Dominick Distillery in May 2017, from Tour Guide to Hospitality Supervisor then moved over into the Marketing Department as Program Manager from April 2018 until January 2026. In March 2026, she joined the team at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.

    During her time, she developed a passion for the industry and the people that are a part of it, from the production teams to the end consumer and everyone in between. Since 2008, she has done everything from sales clerk to tour guide + bartender (although, not the best one!) to off-site events management to social media to TN Whiskey Trail event team lead, along with meeting countless great folks along the way that she has had the privilege to share a pour with.

  • Portrait of an older man with gray hair, standing inside a dimly lit wooden structure with arms crossed, wearing a black polo shirt with logos and khaki pants.

    Paul Bisset

    Head of Tours & Education 

    Paul Bissett was born and raised in Scotland and is a veteran of the British Royal Navy. He previously served as an Associate Brand Ambassador for William Grant & Sons, representing renowned whisky brands such as Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. Over the years, Paul has hosted hundreds of whiskey events across Alabama, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Tennessee, sharing his knowledge and passion with audiences across the country.

    For twelve years, Paul has written and edited a whiskey newsletter distributed to readers in more than ten countries. He is also the author of twenty books, nine of which focus on whisk(e)y.

    Paul holds a Diploma in Communications from the City and Guilds Institute of London.

  • A black cat standing on a wooden barrel with a bottle of bourbon whiskey beside it in a rustic outdoor setting.

    Hemmingway 

    Director, Pest Control

    Hemmingway is a proud graduate of the WW Cattle Ranch, where she earned a B.S. in Pest Control with a concentration in Stillhouse Security. Naturally equipped with extra toes for enhanced stability and precision, she excels at managing problem rodents and the occasional overly confident bird. When not patrolling the property, Hemmingway serves as the distillery’s official door greeter, welcoming guests with equal parts professionalism and selective affection. A dedicated employee, she can typically be found supervising operations, inspecting warm surfaces, and ensuring the highest standards of comfort and hospitality are maintained at all times.