Certified Economic Development Professional, Kaycee is purpose-driven to help communities achieve inclusive, measurable growth through community-rooted initiatives. Kaycee has had a varied career which began at the International Center of Kentucky, which led to becoming a community agribusiness coordinator with the Peace Corps Uganda. It was in that very challenging environment she learned the value of collaborating with local organizations to design, implement and optimize local assets. She also worked with the development of youth entrepreneurial initiatives to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools, resources and mentoring needed to succeed in the ever changing economic landscape.
Returning to the United States, Kaycee became the economic development coordinator for the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce where she coordinated and led business retention and expansion initiatives and successfully advanced a multi-million dollar expansion projects throughout the county. Doing so required connecting with a diverse range of businesses, local and state agencies, and economic development partners to implement the workforce development, training, and economic incentives they needed to thrive. She also forged partnerships with local educational institutions to assist with developing practical educational programs to serve these needs.
Kaycee has also worked as a resiliency planner with the Barren River Area Economic Development District and as a senior economic development consultant where she conducted comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research to identify economic trends, opportunities, and challenges. She subsequently translated the results into community-focused strategies and solutions.
Her willingness to thrive in environments that demand innovation, strategic thinking and challenging the status quo will serve us all well.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, International Affairs, Western Kentucky University
- Master of Arts, Applied Community Development, Future Generations University
Certifications, Memberships, Recognition
- CEcD, International Economic Development Council
- International Economic Development Council
- Young Professionals Committee
- Women in Economic Development Committee
- Kentucky Association for Economic Development
- Women in Economic Development Committee, Committee Chair
- Corporate Sponsorship Committee
- Membership Committee
- Grants Professional Association
- American Planning Association
- Leadership Kentucky, Elevate Cohort, 2021
- Harris Wofford Joint Service Award, 2024
- Lifetime Kentucky Colonel, 2019
- Kentucky Governor Service Award, 2018
Publications
- A Model for Creating a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Board, The Association of Consultants to Nonprofits