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Leadership Message – Nov 2023

November 13, 2023 By krda

As 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking the time to reflect on the tremendous impact of Fort Knox – a strategic national defense asset and an economic engine for our region. That strategic value is getting an even greater boost with recruiting being elevated to a 3-star command and the Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR) coming online in 2024.

At KRDA we consider it a privilege to promote and protect Fort Knox and ensure, as a community, we do all that we can to support the Soldiers and their families who are assigned there. We are extremely proud of the partnerships we’ve fostered with installation leaders and the work we’ve done to advocate for resources the installation needs to support the existing workforce and position Fort Knox for future growth.

Our partnership was on full display last week at the Association of Defense Communities’ annual Installation Innovation Forum where we were featured on a panel discussion with the Fort Knox Garrison Leadership team. To hear Fort Knox Garrison Commander Col. Chris Ricci and Command Sgt. Maj. Sherman Waters speak in the strongest terms about the value KRDA brings, and the important role community support plays in readiness, certainly made us proud. Moreover, it inspired us to consider how we can do even more to showcase that support.

We know that our members play a large role in the organization’s success, in addition to the countless community partners who help us carry out KRDA’s critical work. As we approach the upcoming holidays, we’d like to express our gratitude. We’re thankful for each of you.

Best wishes this holiday season, and a special blessing to those service men and women and their families currently serving our nation. We look forward to sharing our next newsletter with you in 2024.

Warm Regards,

Knox Regional Development Alliance promotes region to Raider Challenge Visitors

October 5, 2023 By krda

The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) is urging area businesses, organizations, and individuals to engage with and welcome community visitors attending the 2023 Junior ROTC National Raider Challenge. Scheduled to take place at Fort Knox from Nov. 2 through 5, the event, previously held in Georgia, is poised to attract more than 8,000 visitors to the region.

Ahead of the event, KRDA has launched a new webpage on the GreaterFortKnox.com website where Raider Challenge visitors can learn more about regional tourism opportunities. On this webpage, local businesses can also post special offerings or exclusive discounts for Raider Challenge guests.

Jim Iacocca, CEO of KRDA, encouraged local businesses and organizations to post their offerings as soon as possible at greaterfortknox.com/raider-challenge.

“This is the first time Fort Knox has hosted the Raider Challenge and we wanted to create an easy way for local businesses to connect with the thousands of visitors coming to the region. We’re asking businesses to post any promotion or special offer they want to highlight using the online form. Someone from KRDA will review these submissions quickly and post them to the website for our guests to see,” he said.

The event invites U.S. Army JROTC teams from across the nation, who will compete in a variety of challenging events, including a 5K Team Run, Cross Country Rescue, Rope Bridge, the Gauntlet, Physical Fitness Team Test, and more.

“Our region boasts a wealth of attractions, from charming local eateries to one-of-a-kind shops and entertainment venues. It’s vital that we showcase our distinctiveness, ensuring that visitors realize they won’t need to venture far to enjoy their time at Fort Knox, said Iacocca.”

“Whether through exclusive discounts or promotions, extending a warm reception to these visitors will prove exceptionally beneficial for our local businesses and organizations.”

KRDA begins search for new President/CEO in advance of Iacocca’s December 2024 retirement

October 2, 2023 By krda

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky (Oct 2, 2023) – The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) has announced it is searching for a new President/CEO in advance of the retirement of current President/CEO Jim Iacocca, who has announced his intention to retire from the role to spend more time with his family, effective at the end of December 2024. The announcement and the resulting transition timeline are intended to provide KRDA ample time to complete a search of candidates and successfully transition to the onboarding of Iacocca’s successor.

KRDA will accept applications for the role of President/CEO now through Dec. 31, 2023, with a search committee slated to conduct interviews in early 2024. Prospective candidates must possess prior experience as a U.S. Army officer, specifically at the rank of Colonel, General Officer, or nominative Command Sergeant Major. A comprehensive list of qualifications and duties required of the next KRDA President/CEO, along with an application form for the position, is available at growknox.org/ceosearch.

With a workforce of over 22,000, Fort Knox is the region’s largest contributor of local payroll dollars and economic impact, with $1.3 billion in annual payroll and a $4.8 billion economic impact. As a community-based nonprofit, KRDA’s mission is to protect and promote Fort Knox to increase its economic impact on the Greater Fort Knox Region and the state of Kentucky.

“As we embark on this search, we do so with the confidence that KRDA’s strong foundation and commitment from our board, investors, and community will continue to drive our mission forward,” said KRDA Board Chair Marilyn Ford. “Jim’s leadership at KRDA has been nothing short of extraordinary, and though we’re sad to see him go, we are comforted by the fact that he will continue to provide steadfast leadership and guidance for the next 14 months as we transition to a new leader.”

Iacocca is KRDA’s first President/CEO and was selected in October 2017 after a 10-month search process following the organization’s inception. Iacocca began his tenure in January 2018. He is the former Adjutant General of the Army, a position he held in the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox. Iacocca’s Army career included multiple assignments at Fort Knox, including former Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command and former Brigade Commander for the Army’s 3rd Recruiting Brigade.

In addition to his experience at Fort Knox, Iacocca served at multiple installations including Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Operations Command, deploying to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He also served at the Pentagon on the staff for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In August 2018, Iacocca was appointed as Chair of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs.

“I can confidently say that my successor will take the helm of an organization with a clear mission, track record of success, a firm financial position, strong ties with the community, an extremely capable vice president, and most importantly, a committed board of directors and investors,” said Iacocca. “Though my official retirement date is still some time away, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities afforded through this role and for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.”

Cadet Summer Training Brings Thousands to Fort Knox

July 27, 2023 By krda

Cadets from 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp graduate at Fort Knox Ky., July 24, 2023. Specific Cadets were given awards for various achievements throughout Advanced Camp. | Photo by Emily Hudson, Murray State University, Public Affairs Office

This summer, thousands of additional personnel and visitors will be in the Fort Knox area as part of Cadet Summer Training (CST) missions and activities. As such, higher traffic volume is anticipated, especially on days when CST Family Days and graduations are held. Everyone is asked to exercise patience and plan accordingly for longer-than-normal wait times at the entrance gates.

CST graduations are open to the public for attendance. Graduations are held at Brooks Field, while those ceremonies moved indoors, due to inclement weather, will be held at Natcher Gym. In addition, all graduation ceremonies will be live streamed on ArmyROTC Facebook and on the @ArmyROTC YouTube channel.

Everyone coming to Fort Knox, KY for graduation will need either a valid military ID or a visitors pass. Visitors to Fort Knox without a valid military ID can pre-register for a 5-Day FastPASS or visit the Visitor’s Center to obtain a Visitor’s Pass. All adults (18+) must possess a valid ID.

Advanced Camp Graduation Dates:

6th Regiment: Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 8 a.m.
7th Regiment: Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 8 a.m.
8th Regiment: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 8 a.m.
9th Regiment: Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 8 a.m.
10th Regiment: Friday, August 18, 2023 at 8 a.m.

Basic Camp Graduation Dates:

2nd Regiment: Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 8 a.m.
3rd Regiment: Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 8 a.m.

Fort Knox – a Multifaceted Installation

March 31, 2023 By krda

For more than a century, our region has been home to Fort Knox, and our rich history is intrinsically linked to the Army installation. For decades, the 110,000-acre installation had been the home of Armor, and today there are countless veterans and retirees in our community who represent that Armor heritage.

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) saw the Armor Center and School move to Fort Benning, Georgia and several new missions arrived on post. While the Armor Center’s departure was met with some understandable disappointment, Fort Knox’s importance to our national defense, its strategic value and its regional economic impact has only grown since then. Today, Fort Knox is home to multifaceted missions with global impact.

For example, V Corps Headquarters is one of only four corps headquarters in the entire Army. Commanded by a Lieutenant General (3-star), V Corps is responsible for command and control of all Army forces in Europe. They have a forward operating headquarters in Poland, and have been particularly focused in support of NATO allies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Additionally, Fort Knox’s 1st Theater Sustainment Command provides logistical operations for the military in the Middle East, where the unit regularly has Soldiers deployed.

Fort Knox is also the strategic center of human capital management for the Army with three major commands focused on talent attraction, development and management located here:

U.S. Army Human Resources Command provides human capital management for every Soldier in the United States Army. It is the largest human capital management organization in the country, if not the world.
U.S. Army Recruiting Command oversees the recruitment of the entire active duty and Army reserve enlisted force. The command has recruiters stationed all over the country, providing young men and women countless career opportunities and the honor to serve this great nation.
U.S. Army Cadet Command oversees College Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs and all high school Junior ROTC programs. The college ROTC programs are responsible for the development and commissioning of 70 percent of the newly-commissioned officers the Army adds each year.

Cadet Command also hosts the Army’s largest annual training exercise at Fort Knox – Cadet Summer Training (CST). Upwards of 15,000 college ROTC cadets and instructors come to Fort Knox each year for CST.

Because of these strategic commands, Fort Knox also piloted the Army’s new Command Assessment Program (CAP) and is now the permanent home of this new evaluation process that determines which leaders are best suited for command positions.

Other critical missions at Fort Knox include First Army Division East, which is responsible for training and mobilizing all Army Reserve units in the Eastern United States.

The 19th Engineer Battalion, also located at Fort Knox, is the largest engineer battalion in the Army and a Corps level asset of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

As for Army Reserve Commands, Fort Knox is the headquarters for all Army Reserve Aviation in the country. Additionally, the 100th Training Division and the 84th Training Command provide critical training and leadership development for Army reserve Soldiers.

Lastly, Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) Fort Knox provides health and dental care services to Soldiers and their family members stationed at Fort Knox and also oversees facilities at Bluegrass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky; Camp Atterbury, Indiana; Warren, Michigan; and Camp Grayling, Michigan.

As you can see, the missions at Fort Knox have a strategic impact and global reach. A workforce of approximately 22,000 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors support these missions each day, making it one of the largest employers in Kentucky and the largest in our region. The post’s annual economic impact is approximately $4.8 billion, including $1.3 billion in annual payroll.

At KRDA, we are committed to making sure our community does all it can to support Fort Knox, ensuring this regional economic engine and premier military installation is strong and well-positioned for growth.

KRDA Honors Outgoing Board Chair Ray Springsteen During Annual Meeting

January 31, 2023 By krda

During their annual meeting, the Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) recognized outgoing Board Chair Ray Springsteen for receiving the inaugural Greater Fort Knox Region Defense Community Champion award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). This achievement makes Springsteen eligible for nomination for the national award, which will be presented to winners at the ADC National Summit in Washington D.C. in March.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for a staunch proponent of Fort Knox’s success and viability,” said KRDA CEO Jim Iacocca. “Without Ray’s strong leadership and passion for Fort Knox, KRDA would not be what it is today.”

Springsteen, who is the President and CEO of Abound Credit Union, has served as Board Chair for KRDA since 2018 and also co-chaired KRDA’s initial capital campaign. In presenting the award, Iacocca noted that Springsteen’s support to Fort Knox Soldiers and their families extends far beyond his service with KRDA. Under Springsteen’s leadership, Abound Credit Union committed more than $1 million to expand access to healthcare at a primary care clinic located just outside of Fort Knox. This includes expanding access to behavioral health, community resources, social workers, and financial counseling. The credit union also supports USA Cares, a national nonprofit that aids military families in financial crises and provides job placement services to transitioning service members and veterans. Additionally, the credit union has organized workshops for prospective veteran entrepreneurs and facilitated financial literacy initiatives for schools on and adjacent to Fort Knox.

“It is a distinct honor to receive the Greater Fort Knox Region Defense Community Champion award, just as it has been an honor to contribute to KRDA’s vital mission,” said Springsteen. “Fort Knox is the cornerstone of our regional economy. With $1.3 billion in annual payroll and a $4.8 billion annual economic impact, the success of Fort Knox is vital to our region’s future. That is why having an organization like KRDA dedicated to supporting Fort Knox is incredibly important.”

Marilyn Ford will succeed Springsteen as the new Board Chair for a two-year term. Ford previously served as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect for KRDA.

“Ray has set an exceptional precedent as Board Chair and through my new role, I am excited to help KRDA carry on the great work that has been done thus far,” Ford said.

KRDA’s annual meeting was attended by more than 70 investors from the private and public sectors. At the meeting, KRDA leadership provided updates on Fort Knox and shared information about KRDA’s plans for 2022 and their positive outlook for 2023. The organization anticipates several positive announcements, including new missions and community development projects in the coming year.

The completion of Fort Knox’s Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR) in late 2023 or early 2024, is also much-anticipated. The third such range in the world and the only one of its kind located east of the Mississippi River, DAGIR will connect air and ground combat assets to provide a more comprehensive training experience.

Fort Knox Deputy Garrison Commander Jim Bradford was the featured speaker during the meeting.

“The addition of the DAGIR to our world-class training areas and ranges, coupled with our energy resilience and capacity for additional missions, makes Fort Knox well-positioned for growth opportunities,” Bradford said.

During the meeting, incoming and outgoing board members; new officers; and new emeritus board members were also announced. New board members include Jennifer Swope and Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul; outgoing board members include Harry Berry, Brandon Fogle, Brad Richardson, Carl Swope and Leslie Stith; new emeritus board members include Richardson and Swope; and Brian Kerr was selected as Vice Chair/Chair-Elect.

To learn more about KRDA and its leadership, click here.

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