Bowling Green’s 40 Under 40: Makayla Meredith

Story by Amelia Bowen

For MaKayla Meredith, accounting is about much more than balancing spreadsheets. It is about untangling tricky problems, building trust and helping the people around her succeed. As Controller for Houchens Food Group, she brings a calm, practical approach to managing finances while focusing on clear communication and real teamwork. A Bowling Green native and Greenwood High School graduate, MaKayla originally thought about a career in the sciences when she started at Western Kentucky University. She quickly realized lab classes were not for her, but a high school accounting course she had enjoyed kept coming back to mind. Returning to business classes proved to be the right move, and her future career path clicked into place. “After taking an accounting class in high school, it sparked my interest,” MaKayla says. “Once I got into my college accounting courses, I realized I enjoyed the challenge they brought.” Today, that knack for problem solving guides her work inside one of the region’s largest companies. Rather than staying behind a desk staring at numbers all day, MaKayla makes it a point to be an accessible, helpful resource for colleagues in every department. “As a Controller, it’s easy to get stuck being seen as ‘the numbers person’ instead of a leader,” MaKayla says. “I try to be seen as someone who helps them win, not just controls them.” She believes effective leadership simply comes down to listening and speaking clearly. Learning to communicate directly without over-explaining has been one of her most valuable professional skills. She credits her strong work ethic to her father, whose daily example formed her foundation. “My father is the hardest working and most honorable employee I know,” MaKayla says. “He showed up to work with no complaints day in and day out. He demonstrated what it means to be a respectful employee. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had he not displayed his integrity every day of his life.” That same spirit of service shows up in her community work across South Central Kentucky. MaKayla supports Relay for Life, the Family Enrichment Center, Community Action of Southern Kentucky, the Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green and United Way of Southern Kentucky. One of her favorite memories was a United Way volunteer day spent painting local youth facilities alongside her neighbors. Outside the office, MaKayla centers her life around family, spontaneous travel and making memories. She and her husband, Kevin, have been married for 17 years and are raising two daughters, Charlsie, 8 and Ellarie, 1½. The family spends much of their free time camping, taking road trips and exploring new state parks. Slowing down on the trail has given her a healthier perspective on work and time. “You don’t need to rush your life,” MaKayla says. “A lot of stress comes from imagined timelines. Most things that truly matter, like career, relationships and stability, take longer than you think, and that’s normal, not failure.” Looking ahead, MaKayla is focused on letting go of unnecessary pressure and simply enjoying each season as it comes.