Sponsored by Paducah Chamber of Commerce Member, Association of General Contractors Member, Greater Paducah Economic Development Member, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 816 Member Describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it. Stepping into the Vice President position required learning to navigate difficult situations with individuals commonly 20+ years older than myself, whether it be an issue among employees, contractors, vendors, etc. The ability to follow through with promises while ensuring that deadlines are met and projects are completed safely created a level of trust that has ensured smooth operations and company growth. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? The ability to bring people together with different views and ideas to work toward a common goal. Having a firm handshake and standing behind my word has opened many doors for Jay’s Electric and me. If I say something will be taken care of, employees, contractors, and customers have no reason to doubt that it will be taken care of. Who inspires you, and how has that influenced your professional journey? My father, wife, and son. My father started Jay’s Electric in 1994, so I have watched it grow and adapt. I took over day-to-day operations in 2020 when COVID-19 hit. My son was born in 2021, so now I get the chance for him to be involved and share the same experiences I had at his age. Watching his excitement when driving past one of our projects and seeing a Jay’s Electric bucket truck or excavator shows a human side of construction beyond budgets and deadlines. My wife and I started dating when we were 20 years old. She has been a part of this journey from apprentice electrician to Vice President and has helped push me to do what I didn’t think I was capable of. What advice would you give to other young professionals striving for success? Start every day with a plan to end the day better than it started. Do not get caught up thinking you’re behind others; focus on your own goals. Cory Riley Vice President, Jay’s Electric Western Kentucky Mental Health Workgroup Chair, Graves County High School Media Arts Advisory Committee, Sources of Strength Adult Advisor Describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it. One of the biggest challenges in my career has been learning how to lead through uncertainty. I began my career with Graves County ASAP at 19 years old, and shortly after, I experienced challenges that tested both my personal and professional growth, including navigating the impact of COVID-19 and helping support my community after the Mayfield tornado. Being young in the field, I often had to learn quickly, adapt, and build confidence while working through situations that did not have a clear roadmap. I overcame these challenges by staying connected to the people we serve, relying on strong partnerships, seeking guidance from mentors, and continuing to show up even when the circumstances were difficult. Those experiences shaped the way I lead today. They taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers—it is about being present, adaptable, and willing to serve and show up when your community needs you most. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? What makes me stand out in my field is that my journey with prevention has truly come full circle. I started with Graves County ASAP as a student involved in the Youth Council. At the time, I was not the student who was the best athlete or the one who always had the highest grades. I was simply looking for a place where I belonged. This group gave me a sense of community, purpose, and confidence that I carried with me. That experience grew into a volunteer role, then a part-time position, and eventually my role as Executive Director. Today, I have the opportunity to oversee the same programs that helped shape me. Last year, we hired our second full- circle employee, who also started as a student in our program and is now thriving as a professional. I believe sometimes a young person just needs someone to believe in them and see their potential before they see it themselves. My goal is to continue creating spaces where people feel valued, supported, and capable of making an impact. Executive Director, Graves County Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention & Policy Courtney Jeffries SEPTEMBER 2026 15
