Keisha Eary, student financial aid coordinator at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College’s Whitesburg campus, has been named chair of the Kentucky River Community Care Board of Directors. A dedicated member of the board since 2016, Eary brings nearly two decades of leadership experience and a steadfast commitment to serving the people of the Kentucky River region.

Eary credits her inspiration to join KRCC to the leadership and vision of former board member Dr. Jim McDannel, as well as Dr. Sandy Holbrook, professor of psychology at SKCTC. Their dedication to service and community impact motivated her to contribute her own skills to the organization. As chair, she is focused on fostering accountability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability. She is committed to maintaining clear communication, collaboration, and advocating for KRCC’s mission to support and empower the community.

Dr. Patsy Jackson, interim president/CEO of SKCTC, praised Eary’s commitment to both the college and the community.

“Keisha’s leadership, both at SKCTC and KRCC, has been a testament of her dedication to serving the region,” said Dr. Jackson. “Her ability to lead, mentor, and inspire others is unparalleled. She has spent nearly two decades impacting lives at Southeast and is well-prepared to further that impact through her new role at KRCC. We look forward to supporting her continued success.”

With nearly 18 years of experience at SKCTC, Eary has led numerous initiatives that have prepared her for this role. She has chaired the staff council, lead council, and the Whitesburg cross-functional team, while also completing leadership training through the Lead Academy. Her dedication to empowering others is evident through the workshops she has taught, which have impacted nearly 300 participants. These experiences have sharpened her ability to lead and inspire both teams and individuals.

Eary recognizes the importance of stability and consistency in addressing the region’s needs. She applauds KRCC’s efforts to provide reliable services, maintain steady leadership, and foster trust throughout the community. In her new role, she looks forward to building on this foundation while exploring opportunities for further collaboration between KRCC and Southeast.

As a leader, Eary takes great pride in being a source of inspiration for young people in the region, especially those who feel underrepresented.

“Your talents can take you anywhere you want to go,” she shared. “Don’t let the world define where you belong.”

She hopes to empower others to embrace their potential and pursue their goals with confidence.