About JEDA
The Jessamine County Economic Development Authority advances a strong, sustainable, and competitive local economy through a strategic and aggressive growth plan that supports balanced residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Foundation
Mission, Approach & Vision
Mission
Advance a strong, sustainable, and competitive local economy through a strategic growth plan supporting balanced residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Approach
Proactively invest in infrastructure for current needs and long-term growth, while ensuring a skilled, adaptable workforce anchored in strong educational partnerships.
Vision
A community of opportunity, where residents attain employment matching their aptitude and businesses thrive — enhancing quality of life for all who live, work, and visit here.
Leadership
Executive Director
Russ Meyer
Russ Meyer serves as the Executive Director of the Jessamine Economic Development Authority, where he leads efforts to attract new investment, support business growth, and strengthen Jessamine County’s economy through strategic partnerships and long-term development initiatives.
A lifelong public servant with deep roots in Jessamine County, Meyer began his public service as a Nicholasville City Commissioner, serving three terms before being elected Mayor, where he served two four-year terms. In 2014, he was elected to represent Kentucky’s 39th House District in the Kentucky General Assembly.
During nearly six years in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Meyer served on several legislative committees, including Local Government; Banking & Insurance; Transportation; Tourism, Small Business & Information Technology; and Health & Welfare, helping shape policy on issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth.
In September 2020, Governor Andy Beshear appointed Meyer as Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks. In that role, he oversaw the Commonwealth’s 48,000-acre park system, including 45 state parks, 17 resort parks, and an annual operating budget of nearly $100 million. Under his leadership, Kentucky State Parks welcomed nearly 6.7 million visitors each year.
Today, Meyer brings decades of leadership in local and state government to the Jessamine Economic Development Authority, where he works with local, regional, and state partners to advance economic development, transportation infrastructure, workforce initiatives, and quality-of-life investments that position Jessamine County for continued success.
Partners
Built on strong partnerships
Economic development in Jessamine County is powered by collaboration at the local, regional, and state levels.
Key Partners
Regional Collaboration
- Lexington & Central KY partners
- Workforce development organizations
- Utility & infrastructure partners
Governance
Board of Directors & Leadership
JEDA is governed by a board representing local government, business, and community leadership.
Leadership
JEDA’s leadership team provides strategic direction and works with local and regional partners to advance economic development opportunities throughout Jessamine County.
- City of Nicholasville — Mayor Alex Carter
- City of Wilmore — Mayor Harold Rainwater
- Jessamine County — Judge/Executive David West
- Jessamine Economic Development Authority — Executive Director Russ Meyer
Board of Directors
JEDA’s Board of Directors brings together leaders from business, education, government, and industry to help guide economic development initiatives and support long-term growth in Jessamine County.
- Jessamine County Schools Adult Education — Mary Newton Davis
- CMC Environmental — Clay Corman
- PECCO — Scotty Perdue
- Alltech — VP Danny Haney
- City of Nicholasville Planning & Zoning — Director Tim Cross
- Kentucky American Water — Austin Thore
- Brett Construction Company — Brett Setzer