KRDA

KRDA launches capital campaign to fund its mission to promote, protect Fort Knox

February 6, 2025 By krda

The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) launched its capital campaign to fund the organization through 2030 during its recent annual meeting of investors. The non-profit, funded through private and public sector investments, is the only organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Fort Knox and growing the defense sector economy in the region.

Luke Schmidt, a Hardin County native and CEO of L.B. Schmidt and Associates, is co-chairing the KRDA capital campaign with Marilyn Ford, KRDA’s outgoing board chair and City President of Kentucky’s Heartland Region for WesBanco. During the meeting, Schmidt encouraged the assembled investors to continue their support of KRDA.

According to Schmidt, the campaign’s goal is to secure $2.25 million in pledges to fund five years of operations beginning in 2026. Schmidt spoke of the importance of Fort Knox and having an organization like KRDA, proactively working to protect its tremendous impact on our regional economy.

“For more than a century, Fort Knox has fueled this region’s economy and helped us weather global economic downturns better than most,” Schmidt said. “Fort Knox’s $1.3 billion in annual payroll and $5.6 billion in annual economic impact are second to none in this region. It is imperative we do all we can as a community to promote it, protect it and grow defense-related business in the region. KRDA has been doing that now for almost a decade with great success.”

Schmidt pointed to several indicators of success since KRDA was established – most notably that Fort Knox’s annual payroll and annual economic impact have more than doubled.

In addition, the post has gained several new missions, including V Corps Headquarters, the Command Assessment Program (CAP), and a new three-star headquarters in Recruiting Command. These three missions alone have brought nearly 1,000 new jobs.

“The KRDA team always credits the leadership of Fort Knox and its dedicated workforce for putting the installation in a position to gain these missions, as they should. But we also know that KRDA’s advocacy, our community’s support, and the region’s overall quality of place make Fort Knox more competitive when these opportunities arise,” said Schmidt. “Competition for new missions is high and KRDA helps make sure we do all we can as a community to position the installation for continued growth.”

KRDA CEO retired Colonel Lance O’Bryan knows first-hand the importance of community support. In his last assignment before retirement, O’Bryan was the Fort Knox Garrison Commander. This assignment is comparable to that of a mayor or city manager.

“This community helps set the installation apart from others,” O’Bryan said. “Whether it’s limiting encroachment, providing career opportunities to military spouses and transitioning service members, or fostering partnerships that are mutually beneficial to the community and the installation, we want to be the very best.”

O’Bryan also spoke about the potential for another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) or mission changes associated with the new federal administration’s government efficiency efforts.

“Because of the installation’s capacity, energy resilience and security, we consider Fort Knox well-suited for growth,” said O’Bryan. “But it’s imperative we have the resources in place to mount a strong advocacy effort in the event the federal government decides to move in this direction. We also regularly share the Fort Knox story with stakeholders and decisionmakers at all levels of government to help keep Fort Knox top of mind. “

Schmidt called KRDA the go-to community organization for all things Fort Knox, emphasizing that its operations and grassroots funding model serves as a national example for defense community organizations. He also commended KRDA’s strong fiscal oversight.

“I have served on several boards and can honestly say I have never seen a level of financial stewardship like that of KRDA. They run a lean operation and it’s tremendous what they have accomplished,” said Schmidt. “I had the privilege of chairing their last capital campaign and am proud to co-chair this campaign with Marilyn.”

During the meeting, O’Bryan also thanked the current board and investors for their support.

“Thanks to our investors, we are able to dedicate ourselves fully to our mission each and every day,” he said.

In closing the annual meeting, Marilyn Ford explained why Wesbanco supports KRDA.

“Investing in KRDA is an investment in the future of our community,” said Ford. “Their efforts ensure that Fort Knox remains a strong economic engine for our region, creating jobs and driving growth. The return on investment is clear—supporting KRDA means supporting economic stability and opportunity for businesses and families alike.”

To learn more about investing with KRDA, please email lance@growknox.org or visit growknox.org/invest.

MG (Ret) John Tindall named Greater Fort Knox Defense Community Champion

February 3, 2025 By krda

During their annual investor meeting at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College (ECTC) on Wednesday, the Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) honored retired Maj. Gen. John Tindall with the third annual Greater Fort Knox Region Defense Community Champion award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). This achievement also means Tindall is nominated to compete for the national award, which will be presented at the ADC National Summit in Washington D.C. this spring.

“John Tindall has modeled for us what it means to be a community servant and provides the

highest level of care and support to our military service members. He is incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said KRDA Board Chair Marilyn Ford.

Tindall, 80, has dedicated his life to serving military families. After returning from service in Vietnam and joining the Army Reserve, he became a prominent business leader in the Greater Fort Knox Region and a champion for organizations improving the quality of life for military families.

Tindall serves on the Hardin County Water District #1 Board of Commissioners, ensuring critical infrastructure for Fort Knox and surrounding communities, and on the Baptist Health Foundation Hardin Board, which enhances healthcare across the 10-county region Baptist Health Hardin serves, including nearly all specialty care for Fort Knox Soldiers and their families as well as a military veteran population of more than 50,000. He is also Vice Chair/Military for the KRDA Board of Directors, providing critical leadership and insight.

As a past member of the former North Hardin Industrial Foundation’s Board of Directors, Tindall helped attract new business to the community which has created quality jobs for military spouses and transitioning service members. He owns Radcliff TV & Appliances, and revitalizes properties for commercial use in the Fort Knox area, providing valuable rental space for area businesses to lease.

In 2003, Tindall was instrumental in helping found USA Cares. The organization was initially called Kentuckiana Cares and raised funds for military families through yard sign sales. Now a nationally recognized nonprofit, the organization has assisted over 100,000 military families facing financial crises with millions of dollars in grants. Tindall continues to lead on its Executive Advisory Council, guiding the organization’s growth over two decades.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this award, just as it has been an honor to serve this incredible community and support the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Tindall. “I share this recognition with everyone who works tirelessly to make a difference for military families.”

Maj. Gen. Hope Rampy, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC), was the guest speaker at the KRDA annual investor meeting. She provided an update on HRC’s vital role in caring for Soldiers, Army retirees and their families, providing dedicated support to nearly 9 million military personnel and retirees.

“The work we do is about providing readiness to the Army, managing talent and caring for Soldiers, families and veterans,” Maj. Gen. Rampy said. “It was an honor to speak to such an engaged group of community leaders who are deeply invested in the success of Fort Knox and its Soldiers and their families. Opportunities like this allow us to share the incredible work being done at HRC and serve to strengthen the vital partnership between the installation and the surrounding region.”

The meeting was the first for KRDA President and CEO Col (Ret) Lance O’Bryan, who assumed his role in November. During the meeting, O’Bryan celebrated Fort Knox’s role as a cornerstone of the regional economy and KRDA’s work to proactively promote and protect the installation. Fort Knox’s $1.3 billion in annual payroll provides unmatched spending power in the region, and its over 35,000 annual visitors further buoy local retail, hotel and restaurant sales. O’Bryan also celebrated the opening of Fort Knox’s Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR), one of only two of its kind in the Army and the only one east of the Mississippi. The DAGIR, along with the installation’s numerous critical missions, further elevates Fort Knox’s strategic importance.

“The DAGIR is yet another example of Fort Knox’s strategic value to the Department of Defense. It’s advancements like this that further the installation’s contributions to military readiness and our national defense,” said O’Bryan. “KRDA remains committed to ensuring Department of Defense and Congressional leaders know how valuable Fort Knox is. Our continued community support helps keep the installation well positioned for additional growth and continued economic prosperity for our region.”

Also during the meeting, new board members were introduced, including Lincoln Trail Area Development District Executive Director Daniel London, North South Consulting CEO Krista Stevens and Corey Salsman, Director of Field Operations for Kinetic. Board member Ben LaRue is rolling off the board while retired Maj. Gen. Bill Barron and retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca are now emeritus board members. Hardin County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kendra Scott will fill the term for her predecessor, Margy Poorman, who resigned from the Chamber in December.

To learn more about KRDA and its leadership, visit growknox.org.

Radcliff, KRDA welcomes Kentucky APEX Accelerator to Hargan Building

January 23, 2025 By krda

Pictured from left to right is Shawn Rogers, procurement consultant and the local representative for Kentucky APEX Accelerator for the Commonwealth, and Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) President and CEO retired Col. Lance O’Bryan inside the Hargen building in Radcliff where the Kentucky APEX Accelerator has co-located with KRDA.

RADCLIFF, Ky – Radcliff officials announced today that a representative for the Kentucky APEX Accelerator has co-located with the Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) in the city-owned Elmer L. Hargan Building on North Wilson Road. The APEX Accelerator team helps companies pursue local, state, and federal business with the government, including Fort Knox Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC), with services that include but are not limited to contract readiness, compliance, and market research to identify growth opportunities.

Named for the city’s first mayor, the Hargan family donated the building to the City of Radcliff with the stipulation that it be used for municipal needs as determined by the city government. KRDA relocated offices in 2022 when notified that rent at their former location would more than quadruple.

Radcliff Mayor J.J. Duvall said when KRDA approached him about the opportunity to co-locate with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator, he knew it was a win-win for Radcliff and the surrounding region.

“Bringing KRDA and the Kentucky APEX Accelerator under one roof creates a one-stop shop for local companies that want to do business with Fort Knox and other government agencies. It will help our local businesses and our regional economy,” said Duvall.

The Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation manages the Kentucky APEX Accelerator for the commonwealth, with funding from Kentucky and the U.S. Department of Defense. The local representative for the region is Shawn Rogers. A procurement consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in small business and economic development, Rogers brings expertise in community development financing, business planning, and supporting government contracting efforts.

“KRDA has been our long-time partner in our work to help local businesses tap into government and defense contracting, and we know that Fort Knox alone awards more than $350 million in federal contracts annually. Therefore, we have a great potential to support local businesses in growing through winning government contracts,” said Nancy Brown, Executive Director of the Kentucky APEX Accelerator. “Since we already regularly share referrals with KDRA, they were the most obvious choice for us in Hardin County,” Brown said.

“KRDA helps our clients better understand the missions on Fort Knox and where opportunities may exist for them to do business,” said Rogers. “They are an invaluable resource for our clients.”

KRDA President and CEO retired Col. Lance O’Bryan called the partnership a perfect fit.

“One of KRDA’s four objectives in maximizing the economic impact of Fort Knox is to grow defense-related business in our region,” said O’Bryan. “When we encounter a company at the nascent stages of pursuing government contracting, the first person with whom we connect them is Shawn. We couldn’t think of a better office mate. We appreciate the mayor’s and the city’s support in maximizing this for the betterment of local businesses, our region, and Fort Knox.”

This partnership between the Kentucky APEX Accelerator and KRDA underscores their commitment to growing the regional economy by supporting businesses accessing government contracts. To learn more about scheduling appointments, visit www.kyapex.com or www.growknox.org.

During a Pentagon ceremony the Secretary of the Army appoints five new civilian aides

December 4, 2024 By krda

Secretary of the Army, Hon. Christine Wormuth, hosts a Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) Investiture ceremony to five new CASAs at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, Dec. 3, 2024. The five new CASAs are Lester Lumbard (NV-S), Ricardo Morales (RI), Lance O’bryan (KY-N), Edward Salo (AR), and Francis Vitale (WV).

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in the following five new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony at the Pentagon on Dec. 3, 2024: Lester Lumbad from Las Vegas, Nevada; Rich Morales from East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Lance O’Bryan from Fort Knox, Kentucky; Edward Salo from Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Frank Vitale from Morgantown, West Virginia.

“It’s an honor to have these five outstanding new CASAs representing the Army,” said Secretary of the Army Wormuth. “Our CASAs are instrumental in building and maintaining relationships between the Army and communities across the country. The work they do is critically important, especially in our efforts to spread the Army story and recruit the next generation of soldiers.”

Lumbad served as a staff sergeant as an electronic warfare specialist in the Air Force for seven years. After leaving active duty, he worked in Washington, D.C., for the Department of Defense as a senior systems engineer for Raytheon. Lumbad and his family moved to Las Vegas in 2017. In 2021, he founded the Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce, an organization that aims to serve local veteran-owned businesses. Lumbad promotes collaboration with all veteran and military resources in his local community, and informs people about employment transition, veteran food insecurity, mental health, peer support networks and veteran start-up entrepreneurships. He has cultivated an extensive network of relationships across business, civic, community and professional organizations and has helped build veteran-led youth mentorship networks to support local Nevada youth to better understand the Army.

“I am highly honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve as the civilian aide for our region and to have the support of my community in southern Nevada to promote a stronger connection with the heritage and story of our Soldiers who have served, and those who will continue to put on the uniform, train and serve as new members of our Army,” Lumbad said.

Morales is a retired brigadier general and Purple Heart recipient. He served globally, leading in five hostile-fire zones, and serving in roles ranging from leading a tank platoon in the Gulf War, a position in the president’s executive office, commander of UN peacekeepers in the Balkans, and leader of an Army task force arrayed across a third of Baghdad, which resulted in a Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in combat. Morales also served as an aide to the head of NASA, a White House fellow at OMB, and leader of a national presidential initiative to revolutionize how our country supports transitioning military and their families. He later commanded an Army ROTC brigade responsible for officer development at 97 universities, chaired the Department of Systems Engineering at the U.S. Military Academy, and researched in collaboration with Department of Defense, industry, the public sector and leading think tanks. Morales holds a bachelor’s in science and aerospace engineering from West Point, a Yale Master of Business Administration, graduate degrees in strategic studies from the Naval College of Command and Staff and resource strategy from the National Defense University, and a PhD in engineering from the University of Cambridge. He studied systems dynamics and organizational learning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a Harvard Kennedy School senior executive fellow and Yale School of Management Donaldson fellow. Morales serves on national boards alongside leaders from business, academia and nonprofits, and is an advisor to start-up efforts.

“I am honored to connect our Army to my communities, state and national initiatives, research expertise, and technology needs, and especially to support people, institutions and innovation in Rhode Island and New England,” said Morales.

O’Bryan retired from the U.S. Army after nearly 26 years of service to the nation. He is a resident of Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served recently as the former garrison commander of Fort Knox. O’Bryan has an intimate knowledge of installation management and is uniquely familiar with serving Soldiers, families and veterans. He is passionate about issues involving military-connected families. He tells the story of his military career to inform the next generation about the benefits of service to their nation. Since retiring, O’Bryan has assumed the role of president and CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance, where he remains connected to the community and committed to promoting military readiness and quality of life.

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to be selected by Secretary Wormuth as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Northern Kentucky,” said O’Bryan. “I am honored to continue to serve my country, the U.S. Army, the state of Kentucky and my community in this new role.”

Salo is a professor of history, History Department assistant chair, and associate director of the doctorate program of heritage studies at Arkansas State University. Salo is deeply committed to the Army and its community. Salo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science from East Tennessee State University, a master of arts degree in history, and a doctorate in public history from Middle Tennessee State University. Before coming to Arkansas, Salo worked in cultural resources management, helping the military to manage and protect its heritage. In addition to his teaching, Salo has been active in defense and national security debate. He is a host of the “Sea Control Podcast” from the Center for International Maritime Security, a member of New America’s Nuclear Security Futures Group, and a former research fellow for both the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Joint Special Operations University.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to work with the greatest Army in the world, its Soldiers and its veterans,” said Salo. “A large part of a CASA’s job is to help bridge the gap between the Army and civilian community. In my years working with the Army, I have witnessed the professionalism and dedication Soldiers have in fulfilling the mission of protecting the nation as well as preserving its history. I have the opportunity to shape the future leaders of the Army and to remind them that the Army is not just about battles, but has been in the vanguard of exploration, engineering and medical breakthroughs, as well as other changes in the nation. I am honored and ready to get to work.”

Vitale served nearly two decades in the U.S. Army Reserve and West Virginia Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of captain. Vitale, a Morgantown, West Virginia, resident, is president and CEO of Forge Business Solutions, a strategy firm focused on business growth and organizational development. He is passionate about fostering collaboration among diverse groups representing business, government and community sectors, and creating meaningful solutions. While his active service ended in 2008, his dedication to the military remains unwavering. As a CASA for West Virginia, Vitale plans to promote military service actively, support veteran entrepreneurs, and work to strengthen connections between members of the Army and local, regional and state leaders, ensuring open and productive communication channels across the mountain state.

“It is the greatest honor to be appointed by the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army as a CASA for West Virginia,” said Vitale. “My Army service has been instrumental in shaping who I am and providing invaluable opportunities. I am committed to dedicating every effort to strengthening ties between West Virginia and the Army, fostering strong relationships and building new bridges.”

CASAs promote good relations between the Army and the public, advise the Secretary of the Army about regional issues, support the total Army workforce and assist with recruiting and helping Soldiers as they transition out of the military.

Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide a vital link between the Army and the communities they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.

Credit: U.S. Army Public Affairs, December 4, 2024

KRDA Names Col. Lance O’Bryan as Incoming President/CEO

March 20, 2024 By krda

Today, Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) announced the selection of retired Col. Lance O’Bryan as President/CEO, beginning November 1, 2024.

O’Bryan brings a wealth of military experience that includes three assignments at Fort Knox, most notably serving as the Fort Knox Garrison Commander from 2021 to 2023. As Garrison Commander, O’Bryan’s role was akin to being a city manager for the installation, which has a daytime population of more than 26,000 people.

O’Bryan will succeed retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca, who announced his intention to retire from the role last year to spend more time with his family. Iacocca has led the organization since 2018.

The KRDA board cited O’Bryan’s understanding of Fort Knox’s inner workings, coupled with his strong working relationships both on and off post, as some of the many reasons they chose him to be the next leader of KRDA.

KRDA board chairwoman and WesBanco Bank City President for the Heartland Region of Kentucky, Marilyn Ford, called O’Bryan the ideal successor to Iacocca.

“While Lance’s experience and knowledge most certainly stood out to the selection committee, it was also his passion for Fort Knox and our community that set him apart. Fort Knox was his number one choice for his command assignment and he chose to call our community home upon retiring from the Army,” Ford said. “We are so blessed to have yet another amazing military leader help us promote and protect the largest economic engine for our region.”

In addition to Garrison Command, O’Bryan held previous assignments on Fort Knox at the now deactivated 3/1 Brigade Combat Team as well as U.S. Army Human Resources Command. His military career also included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as assignments with U.S. Africa Command, the Army staff at the Pentagon, and another Garrison command in Okinawa, Japan.

“Words cannot adequately express how excited I am to take on this role,” said O’Bryan. “I have a passion for Fort Knox and there is no better defense community in the country than here in the Greater Fort Knox Region.”

O’Bryan will join the KRDA team in September for a two-month transition with Iacocca, whose official retirement is Nov 1.

“I am confident that Lance will lead the organization with dedication and vision, ensuring continued success for the Fort Knox community,” said Iacocca. “Lance is a proven leader with a keen understanding of Fort Knox’s importance and I look forward to working with him as I transition from my role.”

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 $5.6 billion economic impact. As a community-based non-profit, 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.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lance and eagerly anticipate witnessing how his wealth of experience will guide KRDA into the future, building upon Jim’s achievements in enhancing Fort Knox’s economic influence,” said Ford.

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

Connect With KRDA

Get The Newsletter