Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) is proud to announce that its Deputy Director, Bridget Back, has been appointed to the Community Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Bridget joins a distinguished group of experts and leaders who focus on economic development and advise the Cleveland Fed on current and emerging economic trends.
Bridget Back
Bridget’s deep understanding of the region’s economic landscape, particularly as it relates to workforce development, will be invaluable to the Council’s work, drawing on her more than 15 years of experience with EKCEP and workforce development in Kentucky’s Appalachian communities.
“I am honored to serve in a capacity that allows me to highlight Eastern Kentucky’s communities, the great work taking place here, and our struggles,” she said. “I look forward to working with fellow Council members to address the economic challenges and opportunities facing the region.”
The Cleveland Fed is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System, and the central bank of the United States. Their advisory councils play a vital role in gathering information on regional economic and business conditions. These councils, comprised of diverse business, civic, and community leaders, complement the Bank’s research, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape within the Fourth District, which includes Eastern Kentucky. EKCEP values the opportunity to contribute to this important process through Bridget’s participation.
“We are incredibly honored by Bridget’s appointment to the Community Advisory Council,” said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “This recognition is a testament to her dedication and expertise in addressing the unique economic challenges and opportunities facing Eastern Kentucky. We look forward to her participation on the council and the positive impact it will have on our region.”
EKCEP extends its sincere gratitude to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for their commitment to understanding and addressing the economic issues facing Eastern Kentucky. This appointment underscores the Cleveland Fed’s dedication to engaging with diverse voices and perspectives to ensure a more prosperous economy for all.
Bridget is one of three Kentuckians tapped to participate on the Cleveland Fed’s advisory councils, according to an announcement released by the Bank this week. For a full list of appointments, visit clevelandfed.org.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof.