Glenn D. Leveridge, Chair
I grew up in Jackson, Kentucky, where I learned early the importance of hard work and treating people with respect. Those values shaped my fifty-year career in banking, including my time as President of Central Bank Winchester before retiring in 2020. Through decades of change in the financial world, I always tried to focus on relationships—with customers, coworkers, and the communities we served. I have been honored to serve on numerous boards across Kentucky in education, healthcare, business, and community development. I graduated from Morehead State University and the LSU Graduate School of Banking. In 2024 I was inducted into the Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Lexington, Ky. Cindy and I love spending time with our two children and four grandchildren, and I still believe deeply in investing in people and opportunities that strengthen the next generation.
Judy Owens, Legal Liason
I grew up in Bell County and saw firsthand the importance of education and opportunity. I earned a BA in psychology, an MFA in creative nonfiction from Murray, and a law degree from University of Kentucky. My early work as a reporter in Hyden and Hazard taught me invaluable skills. Today I serve as Appalachian Director of the Steele-Reese Foundation. I love telling stories that shine a light on rural communities, history, and social issues. My writing has been recognized by the Kentucky Press Association, and I have received a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Beyond my professional work, I enjoy serving organizations dedicated to history, literacy, and philanthropy across Kentucky, especially historic women’s organizations. I currently serve in leadership roles with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and in the past, with Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky. I enjoy baking, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and life with my husband, Devert, and our Springer Spaniel, Queen Victoria.
Jenny Pitts Strickland, Secretary-Treasurer
I grew up in Newberry, South Carolina, and consider myself a lifelong learner with a passion for teaching and creativity. I studied Spanish and secondary education at Furman University and spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, my path blended education, family, faith, and mentoring. I homeschooled my two sons from kindergarten through high school and discovered how much I loved encouraging students of all ages. Today I serve as Chief Financial Officer of my family farm, Bel-Ivy Farms, and treasurer and children’s church leader at Living Hope Presbyterian Church in Greer, S.C. Since INKspire Creative Camp began in 2013, I have traveled to Kentucky each summer to teach and watch creativity and writing come alive in students. My husband, Don, and I have nine grandchildren, and some of my happiest moments are spent reading classic children’s books to them.
Jacqueline "Mizz JJ" Hamilton, Executive Director
I grew up in Springfield, Ohio, where one of my earliest teaching memories was reading Nancy Drew books to stuffed animals. After graduating from Miami of Ohio, I worked as a journalist in South Carolina, earning several press awards. I lived in London, England, as an International Rotary Journalism Fellow. My love of storytelling eventually led to an MFA in creative nonfiction from Murray State University. Doctorate research had a unique communication twist with a focus on effective listening practices. I loved teaching creative writing and drama for the Governor’s Scholars Program for five years, and English at Eastern Kentucky University for 15 years. In my spare time, I perform two Chautauqua characters— Alice Lloyd and Sue Grafton. My husband George and I live in Winchester, KY, and share a wonderful blended family of seven children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
