PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — One East Kentucky is searching for new leadership, after two of its officers announced they are leaving to join a national economic development group.
President and CEO Chuck Sexton and Regional Development Director Ivy Stanley submitted their resignations, effective April 1. The two were recruited to join Next Move Group — Sexton as CEO and Stanley as chief operating officer.
“Seven years ago, I was coming into the region for the first time to interview,” Sexton said. “I’ve made lifelong friends and relationships here in East Kentucky and will always consider it to be one of my greatest experiences. A good economic developer never feels like their job is done. It was difficult to accept the role with Next Move Group for that sole reason. Ivy and I both feel there is so much more to accomplish and many more opportunities to be had for this region, but at the end of the day, everyone has a trajectory to follow and opportunities to grasp of their own, this just happens to be mine.”
“My goal as a community and economic developer has always been to help as many people as possible with my work and I am grateful to One East’s board of directors, investors, communities, and the region’s stakeholders for allowing me the opportunity to use my talent and skillsets to do just that over the last four years,” Stanley said. “The work we’ve done as a region is a great foundation and springboard for success. I consider my time here to be one of my life’s greatest accomplishments and I look forward to what comes next in both my future as well as that of Eastern Kentucky.”
One East Kentucky Chairman Mark Gooch said the board is sad to see them leave and appreciative of the work they have done to promote the region.
“We appreciate the vital work provided by Chuck and Ivy the past few years for One East Kentucky and are saddened to see them leave,” Gooch said. “We remain optimistic and confident our national search will provide strong leadership in a timely manner. This business led entity will continue to be a leader in economic development and job creation throughout East Kentucky and our state.”
The group will now conduct a national search and hopes to begin reviewing résumés next month. Sexton and Stanley plan to remain in the region for at least the next six months and said they are committed to helping aid in the transition.
One East Kentucky is a nonprofit economic development group funded solely by private businesses in the region.
