Leadership
Board of Directors
Ball, a National Board-Certified Teacher and recipient of the Milken Educator Award, brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture education and workforce development. He has been recognized nationally as an FFA Teacher Ambassador and Agri-Science Ambassador, highlighting his longstanding commitment to cultivating leadership and innovation in agriculture.
Jacob Ball, Executive Director Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp
This partnership is focused on attracting agtech companies to Lexington and all of Kentucky. Lexington and Kentucky have all of the ingredients to become a major hub for high-tech innovation in agriculture, attracting good jobs and new companies to our city.
Mayor Linda Gorton, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Making Kentucky the center for agriculture technology and innovation in the United States, only furthers our ability to step up to the challenges facing our agriculture communities, thus impacting our influence on our country and our world. We hold firm in the belief that this will create positive impacts for all.
Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner
A thriving AgTech hub will open doors for new research partnerships, innovative solution and meaningful career pathways—helping more of our graduates stay in Kentucky and contribute to the future of agriculture right here at home.
Dr. Laura Stephenson, Vice President for Land-Grant Engagement and Dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp. is a powerful investment in Kentucky’s future — bringing innovation to our farms, creating new opportunities for rural communities, and keeping our agriculture industry competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Kyle McKinney, Vice President of Innovation, Alltech
