From the Executive Director's Desk

As communities across Kentucky continue to navigate both opportunity and adversity, the work of our Area Development Districts has never been more vital. Our thoughts remain with the residents of eastern Kentucky who are facing the aftermath of recent tornadoes. The destruction has been substantial, and the path to recovery will require sustained effort. Our Area Development Districts remain fully prepared to provide all necessary assistance to support these recovery efforts.

Amid these challenges, we also have noteworthy accomplishments to recognize. Please join me in congratulating Waylon Wright, Executive Director of the Lake Cumberland Area Development District, on his recent election to the National Association of Development Organizations’ Board of Directors. This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and dedication, and we are confident he will represent Kentucky’s interests with integrity and vision.

Earlier this month, the Kentucky Association of District Directors held its annual Western Kentucky Retreat in Bowling Green, hosted by the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD). The retreat offered a valuable opportunity for strategic planning, peer engagement, and regional learning. Highlights included a site visit to the future Anchor Project. This innovative facility will integrate a mental health crisis intake center, a life learning center, and a regional Office of Drug Control Policy.

In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit Meltdown Ice Cream & Soda Fountain, a thriving local business supported by BRADD’s Revolving Loan Fund. This visit served as a powerful reminder of the tangible impact our programs have in fostering small business growth and community revitalization.

As we approach the summer season, we look ahead to several opportunities for engagement with local leaders across the Commonwealth. The Kentucky League of Cities’ Summer Summit, taking place June 3-5 at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington, and the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association/Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioner's Joint Summer Conference, scheduled for June 10-12 at the same location, will provide valuable forums for collaboration and dialogue.

In conjunction with the latter, the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts will convene its quarterly meeting at 4:30 p.m. on June 11. These meetings are open to the public, and we welcome all who are interested in learning more about the vital work being carried out by Kentucky's Area Development Districts to join us. We hope to see you there.

Casey Ellis

Executive Director

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Wright elected to NADO Board of Directors

The National Association of Development Organizations has announced the election of Waylon Wright, executive director of the Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD), to its board of directors. Wright was elected through a special process to fill a vacant seat representing the Southeast region. His term will continue through April 30, 2026.

Wright has been with LCADD since 2001. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in 2000 and later completed a master’s degree in public administration at Western Kentucky University. For 20 years, Wright worked in LCADD's community and economic development department. He was named executive director in 2021.

Pennyrile Area Development District Executive Director Jason Vincent and Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) Executive Director Jarrett Haley also serve on the NADO Board of Directors.

Gateway ADD celebrates Older Americans Month

In observance of Older Americans Month, the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) facilitated a series of celebratory events across its regional senior centers throughout May 2025. Each center hosted tailored festivities that highlighted the contributions of older adults and promoted this year’s national theme: “Flip the Script on Aging.”

Celebrations were held at senior centers in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties. The events featured a range of cultural and seasonal themes:

The Bath County Senior Center hosted a “Mother-ly” Tea Party in honor of Mother’s Day.
The Menifee, Montgomery, and Morgan County Senior Centers marked the 151st Kentucky Derby with themed celebrations.
The Rowan County Senior Center observed Cinco de Mayo with a cultural celebration featuring food and activities.

Each event included a formal proclamation ceremony led by respective county judge/executives and city mayors, officially designating May as Older Americans Month within their jurisdictions. These proclamations reinforced the region’s ongoing commitment to supporting and valuing older citizens.

BGADD steps up to support local communities during leadership transitions

As Danville-Boyle County and Jessamine County search for new planning directors, the Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) has stepped in to provide interim leadership and continuity.

Linden Smith, senior regional land use planner with BGADD, is currently serving as interim planning director for both counties. His role ensures that planning activities continue smoothly during this transitional period.

Smith’s involvement gives each community the time and flexibility to conduct thorough searches for permanent directors without sacrificing the momentum of ongoing projects. Under his interim leadership, BGADD continues to offer essential services, including the review of subdivision and development plans, zoning amendments, and technical assistance to planning commissions and local officials.

What's Happening in Your Area Development District?

Big Sandy ADD hosts 38th Annual Big Sandy Senior Games

The Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) recently celebrated its 38th Annual Big Sandy Senior Games, a popular multi-day event drawing seniors from Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties. The annual games coincide with Older Americans Month each May, emphasizing physical wellness, social interaction, and community pride among the region’s senior residents.

GRADD CCC hosts STAND Against Child Abuse event

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) held its annual STAND Against Child Abuse event on Friday, April 11. This free community gathering took place in Owensboro and aims to raise awareness about child abuse prevention as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed annually in April.

FIVCO ADD launches monthly newsletter

The FIVCO Area Development District has launched "FIVCO Focus," a new monthly newsletter designed to keep community members, partners and local leaders informed about key initiatives and services across the region. The inaugural May 2025 edition highlights economic development efforts, grant opportunities, social services updates and regional success stories. Executive Director Lance Hanshaw said the newsletter aims to strengthen connections and foster collaboration across FIVCO’s five-county service area.

KIPDA transportation director speaks at conference

Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) Transportation Director Andy Rush was a guest speaker at the recent One Southern Indiana Metro Manufacturing Conference held in Louisville. The Metro Manufacturing Alliance (MMA) is a unique forum where manufacturing owners and managers meet with their peers, discuss common issues and successes, and listen to timely presentations on topics that apply exclusively to manufacturers. Rush discussed the relationship between KIPDA and manufacturers along with educating listeners about what a Metropolitan Planning Organization is and how it impacts the region.

Buffalo Trace ADD joins Lewis County, TENCO Workforce Development for business forum

Lewis County Judge/Executive George Sparks partnered with the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) and TENCO Workforce Development to host the "Unity in Business Forum" on May 9, at the Lewis County Extension Office. Local leaders learned about resources from Kentucky SBDC, SOAR, TENCO, and BTADD, featuring Legacy Award winner John Collins of Collins Market, and concluded with networking to boost Lewis County's businesses.

PeADD hosts disaster recovery training for regional leaders

The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD) recently hosted a two-day training titled "Recovery from Disaster: The Local Community," aimed at equipping local emergency leaders and stakeholders with tools and strategies for effective disaster recovery. The session emphasized fundamental recovery principles and the latest national guidance in recovery planning. Participants had the opportunity to evaluate real-world recovery plans, either their own or provided examples, and gained insight on how to organize, manage, and lead recovery initiatives effectively.

Kentucky River Senior Games held at Knott County Sportsplex

Sponsored by Kentucky Power/AEP, Kentucky River Medical Center, and the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD), the Kentucky River Senior Games took place May 15 at the Knott County Sportsplex. Open to residents aged 50 and up from Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties, the event featured various games, awards presentations, and a complimentary lunch.

Click here for more photos from the event

DLG Commissioner Sawyers special guest at LCADD

The Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD) welcomed Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Matt Sawyers to its May Board of Directors meeting. Commissioner Sawyers shared valuable insights on how DLG is working with organizations like LCADD to improve the lives of Kentuckians. DLG’s mission is to build stronger, more efficient communities across the Commonwealth.

BGADD partners with SCHS and JAG to host annual job fair for students

The Bluegrass Area Development District's Department for Workforce Services partnered with Scott County High School and Angela Morris with the JAG program to host the Kentucky Career Center-Bluegrass/American Job Center annual job fair for students on April 15. This collaborative event was designed to give students direct access to local employers and real-world job opportunities, bridging the gap between education and workforce. With 36 vendors in attendance and roughly 300 students participating, the event created a dynamic environment where students could engage with businesses, ask questions, and learn about various career paths across multiple industries.

Barren River ADD celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) kicked-off Mental Health Awareness month May 1 by wearing green, symbolizing hope, renewal, and growth. The following facts were shared through the ADD's social media channels:

1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by the age of 24
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

Any Kentucky resident experiencing a mental health crisis can call 988 to connect with crisis intervention and mental health professionals. When you dial 988, your call is promptly routed to one of 13 call centers in the state. You'll be connected to a professional who'll listen, provide counsel and connect you to further help if needed. The service is available 24-7, and if no one is available to take your call, you'll be routed to a national mental health helpline for prompt assistance.

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts | Website