Katrina Egbert
“The Buddha’s Right Hand”
On a crisp autumn afternoon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Katrina Egbert was raking leaves in her front yard. It was a quiet, ordinary moment, but what happened next would change her life forever. A longtime family friend, Mary Jane McCullough, happened to stop by. Katrina, always curious and friendly, asked Mary Jane a simple question: "Is Wild Turkey hiring?" As fate would have it, Mary Jane worked at the distillery and mentioned they were looking for help in customer service. That casual question launched what would become a remarkable career.
Katrina joined Wild Turkey’s customer service team shortly after that conversation. She stayed in that position for five years, learning the ins and outs of one of Kentucky’s most iconic bourbon brands. Her dedication, attention to detail, and deepening love for the bourbon industry didn’t go unnoticed. When Jimmy Russell’s assistant stepped down, Katrina was offered the chance to take on the role, a position she continues to hold today.
More than just an assistant, Katrina Egbert has become one of the most influential figures at Wild Turkey. Her work has played a critical role in the distillery’s growth and in strengthening its reputation in a competitive and ever-evolving market. Katrina’s talents go far beyond office duties. She has been instrumental in building the Wild Turkey brand through event coordination, storytelling, and authentic engagement with visitors and bourbon lovers alike.
One of Katrina’s earliest goals was to elevate the Visitor Center experience. She wanted people to feel not just welcome, but connected to the story of Wild Turkey. She introduced changes that gave the Visitor Center a warmer, more interactive feel, encouraging guests to truly engage with the history and craftsmanship behind each bottle. Through local events and smart outreach strategies, Katrina helped make Wild Turkey accessible and appealing to a younger generation without alienating long-time fans..
Storytelling has become one of Katrina’s greatest strengths. She has an exceptional ability to convey the Wild Turkey legacy in a way that feels both personal and powerful. Under her influence, the distillery has embraced its roots, highlighting traditional distilling methods, family values, and a commitment to quality that spans generations. Thanks to Katrina’s efforts, Wild Turkey has solidified its identity as not just a product, but a living piece of Kentucky heritage.
Her passion for the brand and its legacy came through most clearly at the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Katrina designed an interactive exhibit that brought the Wild Turkey story to life. Visitors could explore the brand’s history, meet the people behind the bourbon, and gain a deeper appreciation for what sets Wild Turkey apart. That exhibit didn’t just attract attention; it earned respect. Wild Turkey has become known for honoring its past while embracing the future more than any other bourbon brand.
In 2012, Katrina helped organize Wild Turkey’s participation in the first-ever Bourbon Chase, a 200-mile relay run that stretched from Clermont to Lexington, passing through the distillery’s hometown of Lawrenceburg. With an estimated 10,000 runners and spectators, the event was a major opportunity for brand exposure. Katrina made sure Wild Turkey stood out, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Katrina’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was inducted into the prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, becoming one of only five people from Wild Turkey or its parent company, Campari, to receive that honor. She joined the ranks of legends like Jimmy Russell, Earnest Ripy Jr., Thomas McCarthy, and Eddie Russell… a testament to the impact of her leadership and vision.
Behind all of Katrina Egbert’s professional accomplishments is a life filled with warmth and dedication. She is married and a proud mother of two children. Despite her busy schedule at the distillery, she remains deeply connected to her family and her community. Friends and colleagues describe her as grounded, genuine, and endlessly passionate; the kind of person who brings heart to everything she does.
In an industry filled with bold personalities and storied traditions, Katrina has carved out her own path. She didn’t come from a background in marketing or spirits. Her journey began with a rake, a question, and a bit of good luck. But what followed was no accident. Katrina’s rise within Wild Turkey is the result of hard work, creative thinking, and a deep respect for the brand she represents.
Contributed by: Dustin Bowman, Bluegrass Region Section Editor; Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
