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Kentucky Pre-K For All Program

The Advisory Committee

On June 4, 2025, Governor Beshear issued Executive Order 2025-351, creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, which is comprised of leaders in education, child care, workforce development, government, and business. The purpose of the Committee is to study existing models of successful state-funded pre-kindergarten programs to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on best practices to effectively implement a voluntary pre-K program in Kentucky.

The Committee will host town hall meetings and regular committee meetings, and both are open to the public.

Town hall meetings of the Advisory Committee will be held in-person across the commonwealth. These are open to the public for discussion from families, local leaders, teachers, child care providers, and other key members of each community. For more information and to sign up, please click here.

Regular committee meetings of the Advisory Committee will be held via Zoom, and additional information, such as meeting agendas, notices, and minutes, can be found below.

2025 Meetings and Materials

The first regular meeting of the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. You can find additional information below.

June 24, 2025 Regular Meeting
July 2, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)
July 15, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)
July 29, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)
August 13, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)
August 26, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)
October 8, 2025 Regular Meeting (Tentative)

Jamie Link

Secretary, Education and Labor Cabinet

Jamie Link has served as Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet since November 2021. Throughout his more than 35-year career in public service, Jamie has been tapped to lead several high-profile, successful public-sector initiatives. This includes serving as executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, serving as deputy secretary of both the Kentucky Finance and Administration and Tourism, Arts and Heritage cabinets, and serving as CEO of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games before becoming executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Expanding access to pre-kindergarten for all Kentucky 4-year-olds is a critical step toward strengthening early childhood education and building a more resilient workforce. High-quality pre-K programs lay a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, better preparing children for long-term academic success. At the same time, providing pre-K supports working families by reducing child care barriers, enabling more parents to join or remain in the workforce. Investing in early education not only helps close achievement gaps but also drives greater workforce participation and economic growth across Kentucky.

Robbie Fletcher

Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Education

Robbie Fletcher has served as the Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Education since July 1, 2024. Prior to this role, Dr. Fletcher served as the superintendent of Lawrence County School for 10 years. Prior to that, he served as principal of Sheldon Clark High School, principal of Warfield Middle School, and assistant principal of Inez Middle. Before moving into an administrative role, Dr. Fletcher enjoyed eight years in the classroom teaching physics, computer applications, mathematics, algebra, geometry, and AP calculus. During each step of his career over 29 years in education, he has tried to build relationships with the students to better serve as an educator. Dr. Fletcher and his wife, Dr. Melissa Haney Fletcher, have three children and reside in Georgetown.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Preschool is one of the most impactful investments that we can make for our children's future. Ensuring every child has access to preschool enhances academic achievement, establishes a foundation for social development, and promotes lifelong success, regardless of zip code or family income.

Felicia Cumings Smith

Chair, Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence

A lifelong educator and national thought leader for teaching and learning, Felicia C. Smith brings decades of valuable experience to the table, having served in various leadership roles in P-12, higher education, nonprofit, and philanthropy. Dr. Smith serves on several nonprofit boards, including the PNC Grow Up Great Advisory Council, and serves as the Vice Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board, Chair of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Advisory Council for Kentucky, and Chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

The research is clear—when investments are made in early learning, the impact on a child’s educational trajectory can bring about transformative outcomes for themselves and future generations. This investment can pay dividends in supporting the state’s economic growth, vitality, and well-being so that children, families, and Kentucky communities thrive.

Scott Davis

Chair, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Scott Davis, 2025 term Chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, has been Chairman and CEO of Field & Main Bank since 2006. Under Scott's leadership, Field & Main expanded to five (5) banking centers in Kentucky and one (1) in Indiana. Scott has served the Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors for many years as well as several community organizations, including Henderson Leadership Initiative and the Welborn Baptist Foundation.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Access to quality childcare and preschool opportunities are critical for Kentucky to ultimately advance educational attainment levels in all grades and to allow more parents to participate in the workforce. We know that children in early learning environments frequently have better academic achievement and better language development skills. Also, a higher percentage of them are more likely to graduate high school and attend college. Furthermore, ensuring that more Kentucky children have access to early learning opportunities can play a significant role in closing the socio-economic gap between those who have financial means and those who do not.

Colby Hall

Executive Director, Shaping our Appalachian Region

Colby Hall is the Executive Director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), a nonprofit driving economic transformation in Eastern Kentucky. Under his leadership, SOAR has launched innovative programs focused on workforce participation, digital skilling, and wraparound supports, including child care. He works closely with healthcare providers, employers, and educators to advance access to affordable, quality child care as a catalyst for economic mobility. A Kentucky native, Colby brings a deep understanding of rural challenges and a collaborative approach to systems-level solutions in early childhood and workforce policy.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

In Eastern Kentucky, SOAR believes everyone deserves the chance to discover purpose through meaningful work. Pre-K helps make that possible by preparing children for success and freeing parents to pursue opportunity.

Alvin Garrison

President, Kentucky Association of School Superintendents / Superintendent, Covington Independent Public Schools

Alvin Garrison has served as Superintendent of Kentucky's third largest independent school district since 2013 — with over 3,000 students and nearly 700 employees — making him the fourth African American Superintendent in state history. In addition to this role, Alvin currently serves as President of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) and prior served as President of the Northern Kentucky Education Cooperative Services. A lifelong educator, Alvin has dedicated his career to working with and for children and believes his journey will be complete when all students receive the education they deserve.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Supporting pre-K is crucial, particularly in urban environments, as it fosters critical brain development, addresses socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities, and equips children with vital skills for their future. Pre-K is essential because it lays the foundation for children's social development and academic readiness. In this early stage, children learn to interact with their peers, follow daily routines, and master self-help skills. These fundamental skills not only prepare them for success in kindergarten but also foster a sense of independence and responsibility that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

Pamela Morehead-Johnson

President, Kentucky Schools Board Association / Chair, Eminence Independent School Board

Pamela Morehead has served on the Eminence Independent Schools Board of Education for 26 years and she was the first African American to serve as Chair. Pamela has served on the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) board of directors since 2016 and, in February 2025, took office as KSBA's 49th president. Pamela is a proud mother and grandmother and recently retired as a patient access representative for UofL Health.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Preschool is a place where incredible learning happens through incredible play! Children enter preschool to investigate and learn about the world around them, and to share their space for thinking and creativity with new people. They fill their days with learning how to manage emotions and delay gratification at times. Kentucky kids need a safe place to learn and grow these special skills before Kindergarten to help them develop into the best version of who they are as they start school.

Aaron Thompson

President, Council on Postsecondary Education

Aaron Thompson is a passionate advocate for higher education. As a first-generation college student from rural Clay County, Kentucky, he experienced first-hand the transformative power of a college credential. As President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, he works to ensure all Kentuckians have an equal opportunity to improve their lives through postsecondary education.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Kentucky needs pre-K for all 4-year-olds to ensure young people from all walks of life will have a quality educational foundation. Investing early improves learning outcomes and ultimately contributes to a stronger economy and a stronger Kentucky.

Jeff Noel

Secretary, Cabinet for Economic Development

Jeff Noel has extensive public and private sector expertise in economic development. Prior to his appointment as Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Jeff served as Whirlpool's Corporate Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs as well as President of the Whirlpool Foundation, a longtime partner of Habitat for Humanity. Jeff has worked in economic development for two (2) former Kentucky governors, a U.S. Senator, and Brown and Williamson.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Economic success translates to stronger Kentucky communities and better lives for families, and that success depends on great employers and a strong workforce. Pre-K for All increases the ability for parents to reenter the workforce, helping businesses find the talent they need, while also providing safe and impactful child care that enhances an entire education journey. Pre-K is proven to help children achieve greater success throughout their life, developing a robust pipeline of future leaders to start businesses and help our communities attract high-quality jobs, all of which keeps our economy strong. Pre-K for All is a pure economic development enabler of success.

Mary Elizabeth Bailey

Secretary, Personnel Cabinet

As Secretary of the Personnel Cabinet, Mary Elizabeth provides executive policy and management support to the Cabinet's departments, offices, and divisions and advises the Personnel Board and all agencies in the Executive Branch on matters pertaining to the classified service. Mary Elizabeth has worked in state government for over 25 years, including as Commissioner of the Department of Human Resource Administration, where she led the largest human resource transformation in recent state history with the implementation of the Kentucky Human Resource Information System including streamlining and modernizing the personnel administration process, hiring within the Executive Branch, and enhancing recruitment. Mary Elizabeth is member of the National Association for State Personnel Executives, Council of State Government South-Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership, and Society for Human Resource Management.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Kentucky's children are the commonwealth's most valuable resource. Offering pre-K to all Kentucky families demonstrates the commonwealth's commitment to ensure our children are given the best opportunity to succeed in school and beyond. As the state's largest employer, we anticipate that more than 2,300 employees will immediately benefit from fully funded pre-K for all 4-year-olds.

These families will be able to enroll their children in a pre-K curriculum statistically proven to increase long-term educational success without incurring the oppressive financial burden that too often prevents families pursuing this opportunity. Investment in improved educational outcomes for Kentucky's children will benefit all of the commonwealth by ensuring we have a highly skilled future workforce ready to continue the unprecedented economic growth the commonwealth has recently experienced.

Steven J. Stack

Secretary, Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Steven J. Stack was appointed as Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in May 2025. Prior to this, Dr. Stack served as Commissioner for Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for Kentucky. In addition to his service to the commonwealth, Dr. Stack is a board-certified emergency physician with more than 20 years of emergency medicine clinical practice and emergency department management experience.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Pre-K for All will enable our youngest Kentuckians to arrive ready for kindergarten and well-prepared for their most formative years so Team Kentucky ensures that every Kentuckian can achieve their full potential and all our communities thrive.

Sarah Davasher-Wisdom

President and CEO, Greater Louisville Inc.

Sarah Davasher-Wisdom began serving as President & CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. shortly after it was named National Chamber of the Year in 2019. In addition to being the first woman and the youngest person to serve in her present role, Sarah has received several notable and prestigious awards, from Business First's National Influencers to Watch (2020) to the Lane Report's Top Women in Business (2021). While Sarah is a top leader in business, she also has extensive experience in government and public policy.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Early childhood education is the foundation of a successful future workforce. By investing in Kentuckians at every age and stage of development, we will ensure Kentucky has a highly skilled and homegrown pipeline of talent for generations to come.

Jason Slone

President and CEO, Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce

Jason Slone is the President and CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, Inc. Jason brings more than 20 years of public and private sector experience in Workforce and Economic Development to the table. Jason's passion of establishing and growing small businesses helps communities thrive. Jason's wife of 24 years, Allison, is a teacher at Rowan County High School.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Investing in pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds in the commonwealth lays a crucial foundation for a skilled future workforce by fostering early cognitive and social-emotional development. This investment enables parents, particularly mothers, to participate more fully in the workforce, boosting the state's economy through increased labor force participation and earnings. Furthermore, high-quality pre-K programs have been shown to yield long-term benefits such as higher graduation rates and increased earning potential, directly addressing the commonwealth's future economic development needs.

Ron Bunch

President and CEO, Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce

Ron Bunch, CEcD, is President and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a Five-Star Accredited chamber and four-time Mac Conway Award winner, most recently in 2024. Since Ron joined, the community has secured over $6.9 billion in capital investment and added more than 13,500 new jobs. Bowling Green has ranked among the top six metros nationally for new and expanded facilities by Site Selection Magazine for 13 consecutive years, including #1 in 2024, 2023, and 2018. In 2022, AESC selected Bowling Green for a $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory—then the second-largest project in Kentucky history. The Chamber was named Chamber of the Year in 2009 and a finalist in 2022 and 2023.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

High-quality pre-K boosts long-term economic growth by enhancing school readiness and reducing achievement gaps, which decreases reliance on public assistance. It also supports parental workforce participation, driving economic activity.

Brent Cooper

President and CEO, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Brent Cooper is the 6th President & CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber), where he works to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy through leadership and advocacy on behalf of over 1,700 companies and their approximately 175,000 employees. A graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky (2005) and Leadership Cincinnati (2016), Brent serves on the boards of several prominent community/civic/business organizations and has received numerous awards over the years, including Cincinnati PRSA's CEO Communicator of the Year in 2018. Brent is the proud father of two daughters, Emma and Sydney.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Kentucky needs pre-K for all 4-year-olds because 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, yet many enter kindergarten unprepared, forcing schools to spend valuable time and taxpayer dollars catching them up. High-quality early education is the smartest investment we can make to close learning gaps, boost long-term academic success, and build a stronger, more competitive commonwealth.

Sharon Price

Executive Director, Community Action Council

Sharon Price is the Executive Director of Community Action Council, where she leads strategic initiatives to combat poverty and expand access to early childhood education, health services, and family support programs across Central Kentucky. From 2013 – 2019, Sharon served as the Council's Director of Child Development where she provided administrative oversight of five federally funded Head Start programs. With over 30 years of experience in child development, family support, and community engagement — including as a former Head Start parent and teacher — Sharon understands the needs and challenges facing families.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Investing in Pre-K for All in Kentucky fuels long-term economic growth by preparing a skilled future workforce. High-quality early education also boosts labor force participation by enabling parents to work or pursue training.

Alice Forgy Kerr

Former State Senator (R), 12th Senate District (1999-2022)

Former State Senator Alice Forgy Kerr has dedicated her life to serving her community through active volunteerism, education, and ministry. During her 23 years at the General Assembly, Alice was selected as one (1) of forty (40) national leaders to participate in the prestigious Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship Program. Alice is former vice chairman of Sunrise Children's Services (formerly known as Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children) Board of Directors and is a member of P.E.O. Educational Sorority.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Every child in the commonwealth deserves equal opportunity to succeed. At the present time this is not possible because of unequal socio-economic conditions. Pre-K for All is necessary to bring about the opportunity for all Kentucky‘s children to succeed.

Ruth Ann Palumbo

Former Chair of House Economic Development Committee, State Representative (D), 76th House District (1991-2025)

Former State Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo is the longest-serving member of the Kentucky House of Representatives and the longest-serving woman in the state legislature. During her time in the General Assembly, Ruth Ann Chaired the Economic Development Committee for 20 years. Ruth Ann's awards include Lexington's Outstanding Young Woman (1982) and the Governor's Volunteer Activist Award (1989).

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

A child who has been enrolled in pre-kindergarten has a foundation for future academic success. Pre-K develops emotional, social and cognitive skills. Children learn self-control, how to interact with others, and adjust to a classroom environment. The child who has a pre-K background is more likely to be a proficient reader by third grade. Every Kentucky child deserves this head start and the great citizens of this commonwealth should provide the resources.

Derrick Graham

Former House Minority Leader, State Representative (D), 57th House District (2003-2025)

Former State Representative Derrick Graham represented the people of Franklin County for 22 years in the Kentucky General Assembly, where he served as House Democratic Caucus Chair, and Chairman of the House Education Committee and the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education. Derrick spent the last two of those years as Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Floor Leader, making him the first African American to lead a legislative caucus in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Prior to his time in the legislature, Derrick was a member of the Frankfort City Commission — and Frankfort's Mayor Pro Tempore — from 1992 to 2000. Derrick has nearly 30 years of experience as a public school educator and has served the boards of several civic organizations.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

As someone who dedicated his career to the classroom, who made public education the chief focus of 22 years serving in the General Assembly, and who is the father of two incredible daughters, I certainly understand the vital importance of early childhood development. These programs pay for themselves many times over, for the child as well as for our collective future. The benefits are undeniable.

R. Travis Brenda

Former State Representative (R), 71st House District (2019-2021)

Former State Representative Travis Brenda has been an educator for over 25 years, first as a mathematics teacher and more recently as a pre-engineering teacher at Rockcastle County Schools. In addition to his extensive teaching career, Travis owns and operates Brenda Family Farm in Cartersville, KY. The Brenda family attends Church on the Rock in Berea, Ky., where Travis has served on the Financial Board for over 10 years.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Living in Garrard County, we were blessed for our kids to be able to attend preschool at Paint Lick Elementary. Not all families across the commonwealth have that same opportunity. In addition to helping provide a solid foundation for education, Pre-K for All can help alleviate child care costs that is preventing some parents from entering the workforce.

Greg Terry

County Judge/Executive, Carlisle County

Greg Terry has served as Carlisle County Judge/Executive since his election in 2008, following 11 years as Carlisle County Road Supervisor. Outside of this role, Greg serves as Chairman of the Kentucky Great River Road Organization, the Kentucky Mississippi River Parkway Commission Board of Directors, the Kentucky Workers Compensation Fund Board, and the Purchase District Health Board. Additionally, Greg is a 17-year board member of the Purchase Area Development District and is the past president of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

In my rural community, 3- and 4-year-old children have access to quality preschool education so I can see the impact it makes on them before entering Kindergarten. By starting school at ages 3 and 4, children are learning positive social and emotional skills, how to be independent, confident and how to better conduct themselves in a public setting. Sadly, these are attributes that not all children learn at home so the earlier they can be implanted in their lives, the better the child will be.

Laura White-Brown

Mayor, City of Morehead

Laura White-Brown was sworn into office December 2018, making her the first female and youngest Mayor for the City of Morehead. Laura began her career with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service where taught nutrition and was a Regional Area Agent for the Nutrition Education Program. Laura then joined her family business, Harold White Lumber, Inc., as Export Logistics Coordinator where she traveled to China for trade shows and customer relations. Laura currently serves on the board of directors for Kentucky League of Cities and is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Appalachian Regional Commission Leadership Institute.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

As a mother of two young children, I know firsthand the need for child care and pre-K. I had two children during the time of COVID-19 and there was no greater emphasis on child care than at that time. The realization of the demand for child care for the workforce, along with affordable child care made a substantial impact not only in my community but across the region. I am the mother of a 7-year-old and 10-year-old. I have made it a priority to create a community that is welcoming and inclusive of a workforce that supports working parents while also focusing on affordable child care.

Carrie Ballinger

Superintendent, Rockcastle County Schools

Carrie Ballinger is the Superintendent of Rockcastle County Schools and former Director of Student Services for the School District. Dr. Ballinger previously served as Elementary Principal of Kingston Elementary in Madison Co., Ky., and as Elementary Director of Model Laboratory School on EKU’s campus. Dr. Ballinger received her Doctor of Education from Murray State University. Dr. Ballinger resides on a cattle farm in rural Rockcastle County with her husband, James.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Providing preschool for all 4-year-olds in Kentucky is vital as it significantly enhances kindergarten readiness leading to higher proficiency in reading and math, improved social emotional development, and reduced grade retention. Access to preschool ensures that all Kentucky 4 year olds, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive. Pre-K for All will alleviate the cost of child care for families and support greater workforce participation, contributing to the state's economic growth.

Maddie Shepard

President, Jefferson County Teachers Association

Maddie Shepard began her teaching career over 10 years ago in 2014 and currently serves as President of the Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) Board, where she advocates for learners and teachers alike. Maddie brings experience working with organizations and policymakers on how schools can best thrive.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Kentucky kids deserve all the support and tools Kentucky can give them-and Pre-K is proven to be one of the best investments we can make in our young people. Kids attending pre-K enter Kindergarten leaps and bounds ahead of kids who have not attended pre-K. If we are going to set Kentucky up for success in the future, we have to set Kentucky kids up for success now by investing in learning opportunities proven to lead to maximized learning outcomes.

Joel Wolford

President, Kentucky Education Association

Kentucky Education Association President and former Vice President Joel Wolford has served community, commonwealth, and country. In 1993, Joel was elected Mayor of Russell Springs, Kentucky, and began his 26-year career working in the Russell County School District. Joel served in the Naval Reserve as a Damage Controlman for ten years and was honorably discharged in 1994. Joel's father was a member of the United Steelworkers, and those Union values provided the foundation for Joel's belief in the right of all working people to organize and lobby for positive change. Joel believes that free public education is the most important thing our commonwealth provides to Kentuckians.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Kentucky needs pre-K for all 4-year-olds in the commonwealth so that they may have a solid foundation for a successful public school education and to become lifelong learners who value the importance of acquiring new skills and knowledge to aid them in achieving both professional and personal goals.

Jeni Ward

Secretary/Treasurer, Kentucky United 120 American Federation of Teachers

Jeni Ward is the Secretary/Treasurer for KY120United AFT-Fayette and on the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children. She recently completed her 20th year of teaching in the Fayette County Public Schools system, and works with student teachers through Georgetown College. Born and raised in Salvisa, Kentucky, Jeni moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky, earning degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, Learning and Behavior Disorders. She went on to earn her Masters and Doctorates from the University of the Cumberlands in Instructional and Educational Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, gardening, baking, making jam, listening to music, and going on adventures with her daughter.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

I remember my early childhood development professor once saying that that you get the biggest educational bang for your buck when it's invested in early childhood education, and I've never seen anything in my 20 year career to convince me that this isn't true. From the thousands of students that have passed through my classroom, to seeing the impacts attending high quality preschool had for my own child, I firmly believe that preschool for all 4-year-olds in Kentucky could change the entire educational landscape in Kentucky in ways that will pay in positive dividends for generations to come.

Rudy Spencer

Parent / Managing Director, Blue Sky Foundation, Inc.

Rudy Spencer is the Managing Director of Blue Sky, the family office for the owners of Samtec, where he leads Blue Sky's philanthropy and external affairs activities to achieve catalytic social impact. Rudy received a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). Rudy lives in Louisville with his wife, his 3-year-old daughter, and a baby boy on the way.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

Pre-K is the starting gate for Kentucky's brightest future. It helps children thrive in early learning and gives parents the confidence to support their child's education from the very beginning.

Jamie Rodgers

Parent / Strategist, Accenture - Health & Public Service Practice

Jamie Rodgers, Strategist for Accenture and adjunct faculty member at Georgetown College, is an expert in public finance, government operations, and responsible AI with over 15 years of experience driving innovation in government. Jamie has spent the last 3 years helping state governments navigate fiscal challenges of the pandemic and drive economic recovery. Jamie is a 3 time national award winning MPA graduate of the University of Kentucky. Jamie taught elementary school in Northern Thailand as a Fulbright Scholar and volunteered with the U.S. Embassy. Jamie hosts CreativeMornings Lexington and serves on several boards and national committees. Jamie is the proud mom of two children, Charlie and Nellie.

On Why Pre-K Matters to Kentucky...

As a single mother and an executive, the limited options for pre-K feel impossible. We must invest in child care expansion, ensuring our children have the support they deserve and working mothers like me can participate fully in the workforce.

The Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee