The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is excited to welcome Jared Sexton as the Major Gifts Officer. Jared is a Hart County native with an extensive background in political fundraising.
“When I learned of the Major Gifts Officer position with the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, I jumped at the opportunity to apply because I felt the position would be the perfect opportunity to use my fundraising experience to help continue the legacy of Kentucky 4-H” says Jared. “Without my involvement in various youth development programs during my middle and high school years, I know that I would not have the confidence or skills to be where I am today.” Jared continues, “For me, it was not Kentucky 4-H – it was other youth-focused programs. However, for thousands of Kentuckians, it was, it is, and it will be Kentucky 4-H that helps them learn their full potential.”
Jared is a graduate of Hart County High School and the University of Kentucky. During Jared’s time at UK, he had the opportunity to explore politics through multiple internships in Washington, DC with Senator Mitch McConnell’s office and Cavalry, LLC – a crisis management and consulting firm. During his senior year of college, Jared joined the Republican Party of Kentucky as a Field Representative. The role consisted of working with multiple candidates for local and state office and helping them create a winning campaign. After finishing his undergraduate degree in December of 2018 in Social Work, he joined Senator McConnell’s Louisville, Kentucky staff. He spent a year working with Senator McConnell’s team working on various issues of importance to Kentuckians. In February of 2020, Senator McConnell transitioned Jared to his re-election campaign focusing on Central Kentucky. During this time, Jared traveled the state meeting with voters and discussing issues that were most important to them.
At an early age, Jared’s parents instilled the importance of faith, family, and community in him and his older sister. During middle and high school, he was very involved in the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association and the Future Business Leaders of America organization. It was through his experience with these youth development programs that he began to learn what he was good at, and develop an interest in American politics and government.
Outside of work, Jared loves spending time with his amazing family, friends and puppy named Newton. On most afternoons, you can find him outside chasing an extremely wild pup or being an uncle to the cutest 2-year-old girl, Hannah-Gwyn, in the world. On the weekends, Jared and his family travel across the state ministering at various churches through praise and worship.
“I am very excited to join the Kentucky 4-H Foundation,” said Jared. “I am honored to join the team!”
