The Knox Regional Development Alliance recently announced the selection of local entrepreneur and 
Army veteran Beth Avey as its vice president. KRDA CEO retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca called Avey uniquely suited for the position given her military experience and her longstanding relationships in the community.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Beth in her role at Heartland Communications and have seen firsthand what she brings to the table,” said Iacocca. “Beth’s expertise will be an incredible asset as KRDA works to promote Fort Knox and the surrounding region. Having her on the KRDA team will allow us to take our work to a new level.”
Established in 2016, KRDA’s mission is to protect and promote Fort Knox to increase its economic impact.
Avey said she has a great affinity for KRDA’s work. An Army assignment to Fort Knox first brought her to the region 20 years ago. She moved away from 2002 – 2005 when her Army career ultimately took her to the Pentagon.
“When the opportunity to return to the Fort Knox region came, we jumped at it. It seemed like the perfect place to grow roots and raise a family,” said Avey.
Avey added that the marketing business she co-founded got its start with the One Knox initiative which helped the region prepare for and benefit from the growth at Fort Knox because of the 2005 BRAC.
Avey said in a way it’s all come full circle, and she couldn’t be more excited.
She called her departure from the Heartland Communications Consultants bittersweet, but said she leaves knowing the talented team is under great leadership with Kenny Rambo as CEO and Stephanie Wetzel as a managing partner.
“We’ve had this succession plan ready for when the time is right. The firm is in a great place, and I have a great opportunity to continue to make a positive difference for this region,” said Avey.
KRDA board chairman and Fort Knox Federal Credit Union CEO Ray Springsteen called Avey’s selection ideal.
“Beth has essentially been telling the story of Fort Knox and our region for more than a decade,” said Springsteen. “She and Brig. Gen. Iacocca will make a great team.”
Avey will start with KRDA on Aug. 1.