SEPTEMBER 2026 9 Sponsored by Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky Board of Directors, Kentucky Youth Advocates Mentoring Partner. Describe a challenge in your career and how you overcame it. One of the greatest challenges in my career was stepping into a finance role with no prior experience. I had to learn everything on the job through self- education, persistence, and a willingness to ask questions. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I viewed it as an opportunity for professional growth. Over five years, I developed a strong financial foundation that now allows me to better mentor shelter guests in budgeting, financial literacy, and long-term stability. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? I come from a family dedicated to nonprofit work, and I also bring lived experience as a former homeless single mother. Those experiences have shaped my belief in leading with love, compassion, and intentionality. I believe in loving people back to life by meeting them where they are and helping them recognize their own potential. I am known as a resource navigator who not only understands the services available throughout our community but also enjoys connecting others to those opportunities. I have been with Paducah Cooperative Ministry for three and a half years, with the past two years dedicated to Fresh Start Village. During that time, I have worked to strengthen our campus by developing new programs, improving processes, and creating opportunities that better support the women and families we serve. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in your career or community? I want to leave a legacy that leading and moving with intention means everyone wins. I want people to know that no matter where you come from - generational poverty, homelessness, hunger, parenting gaps, etc. - you can make it, and you can make a difference. What advice would you give to other young professionals striving for success? Find the person that you can count on to learn from, and drink every drop from the fountain of knowledge. Believe that someone else’s story is just as important to yours as you are to theirs. Give yourself credit, and give yourself grace. Amy Allcock Shelter Director, Paducah Cooperative Ministry Paducah Breakfast Club Vice President, Paducah Chamber of Commerce Member, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Member, Hendron Fire Department Volunteer EMT/Firefighter What are your most significant professional accomplishments to date? I achieved and maintained the highest level of clearance in the U.S. while performing security at the White House Communications Agency. I own the largest private security company in Western Kentucky, maintaining contracts with the largest event centers in Paducah, Murray State University, and many others. I received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps after five years of service in the security forces and the infantry. What makes you stand out in your industry or field? Between my security forces training, performance of security, and quick response directly to the President and Vice President of the United States, as well as my continued training in SWAT tactics and with Navy SEALs, I am considered in the top 1% in our nation in my industry. I apply my knowledge to the training of my staff. Who inspires you, and how has that influenced your professional journey? “Uncle Lee” Jones, my great-uncle who has now passed, has been the greatest professional influence in my life. He taught me the importance of ensuring all staff members know they are an integral part of the overall mission of Revere Security Services, as well as the importance of holding great respect for all people. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in your career or community? It is vital that a security element is capable of de-escalating and, when necessary, removing or eliminating threats. A security element should be respectful, courteous, and professional while also maintaining the physical ability to make an unsafe situation safe again. I pray that I, as well as my staff, am always found to be respectful toward others. What advice would you give to other young professionals striving for success? Unless somehow your industry is truly a one-man band, you cannot do it on your own. So don’t act like you ever did it on your own. Show true appreciation to all those who make your dream come true, and share all your successes. Never give up, pray for strength, and don’t worry. God will give you opportunities to choose weakness or strength. CEO & Founder, Revere Security Services Avery Hackett
