Kentucky State Representative Bam Carney, former chair of the Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council, died July 17, 2021.

The legislators, educators and staff members who work together as the Southern Regional Education Board are deeply saddened by the death of John “Bam” Carney of Campbellsville, Kentucky, a leader in education and an advocate for students.

Representative Carney served actively with SREB since 2011, including as chair of SREB’s Legislative Advisory Council in 2018 and 2019. He was a member of the LAC since 2011 and was appointed to the Board in 2017.

Carney was a social studies teacher in Taylor County and Washington County, a special education teacher in Campbellsville, and a coach of basketball and football.

“Bam epitomizes the legislators who are devoted to improving education and who are at the heart of SREB’s work. He brought his experience as a teacher to the Kentucky Capitol, advocating for students and coaching newer legislators,” said SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt, who was formerly Kentucky Commissioner of Education. “We are thankful for the leadership he devoted to education, and I am personally thankful for the time I had working with him in Kentucky.”