Business/Organization Represented:
Office of the Governor of Kentucky

In February 2024, Keith Jackson was appointed Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Immediately prior to stepping into this leadership role, Jackson served as the cabinet’s deputy secretary. He understands the cabinet’s critical role in creating safer communities for all and works to ensure the safety and security of Kentucky communities through an approach centered on protecting citizens, restoring victims, and reforming wrongdoers – all in a focused environment where everything is measured for accountability and performance.

Prior to joining the cabinet, Secretary Jackson served as the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs where he was the Governor’s representative and advisor on all veterans-related matters and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Department’s Benefits Branch, four Veteran Nursing Homes, five State Veteran Cemeteries, Employment Services Program, Homeless Veterans Program and Women Veterans Program.

During his 27-year career in the U.S. Army Reserves, Secretary Jackson served in numerous capacities ranging from platoon leader up to Battalion Command. He is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses at Ft Knox, KY; Command and General Staff College, Ft Leavenworth, KS; and the Multifunctional Logistics Course at Ft Lee, VA. He served in Iraq in 2006 as the Operations Officer of the 352nd Combat Service Battalion, which conducted combat logistic patrols. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge. In 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and selected as Battalion Commander of the 373rd Quartermaster Battalion.

In addition to his military service, he began his municipal and public service career in January 1991 with the Lexington Fire Department. His first assignment was as a Firefighter with Engine Company 9. In 1993, he was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic and assigned to Emergency Care 6. Jackson was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000, Captain in 2002, and Major in 2010 when he became the Hazardous Material Team leader for the Department. In 2011, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Administration, and then Interim Chief that same year. In June 2012, Chief Jackson made history by becoming the first African American appointed Chief of the Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services. In this capacity, he managed a 56-million-dollar budget, 540 Firefighters and 23 stations.

Secretary Jackson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and received his commission from the University of Kentucky in 1987.

Business/Organization Represented:
Office of the Mayor of Louisville

David James is a native of Louisville who has dedicated his life to community service, public safety, and public service.

David has served on LMPD, and US Army Reserves as an Intelligence Specialist, as Commissioner of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation, and as Metro Councilman for District 6. He was elected President of the Metro Council for 5 consecutive years.

David was appointed Deputy Mayor of Emergency Services in 2022 by Mayor Greenberg.

David married his sweetheart, Michelle on July 9th, 2011.

Community Engagement Committee Chair

Business/Organization Represented:
Russell Neighborhood

Dr. Gabe Jones, Jr. PhD, MPH is a proud resident of the Russell neighborhood and an Assistant Professor of Public Health at the University of Louisville. Dr. Jones is passionate about community-engaged work and researches the relationship between wealth and health outcomes, economic policy, banking practices, social equity, and structural violence. Dr. Jones enjoys making music, playing chess, trying new food, and spending time with his family and friends.

Business/Organization Represented:
Portland Neighborhood

Mike Neagle lives in an 1850s home in the Portland neighborhood with his wife, 2 kids, 2 cats, and an oversized dog.

Business/Organization Represented:
Park DuValle Neighborhood

Khris Romaine is a lifelong Louisville’s West End resident, deeply rooted in the community’s heart and committed to its growth and prosperity.

A proud graduate of Louisville Central High and the University of Louisville, Khris has leveraged education and experience to become a vocal advocate for positive change. His passion for uplifting the community is evident in his active involvement on multiple boards dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families in the West End.

Throughout his adult life, Khris has demonstrated a profound understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations. He is committed to fostering collaboration between residents, businesses, and organizations to create a thriving and equitable neighborhood for all. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of community, Khris is dedicated to building a brighter future for the West End.

Khris grew up in the Shawnee neighborhood and after graduation, built his home in the Park DuValle neighborhood where he is active in the homeowners association. His personal experiences have shaped his perspective and fueled his desire to create a stronger, more supportive community.

Khris has been on the Board of Directors for St. George’s Scholar Institute for many years in many roles ensuring that our youth are getting quality, out-of-school time programming for social, emotional, and academic learning.

Khris is also a member of the Community Advisory Board of West Louisville. Their mission is to collaborate with the community, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to improve health outcomes in the neighborhoods throughout the West End and beyond.

Khris is a steadfast believer in the potential of the West End and is inspired by the resilience and spirit of its residents. He is committed to working tirelessly to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. He believes that the West End Opportunity Partnership has the potential to have a positive impact on the current residents of the West End neighborhoods for generations to come.