Edgar Davis is Business Development Specialist for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation. Edgar came to Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation to expand the use of Kentucky Highlands' loan programs including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Business and Industry Loan Guaranty Program, the USDA Intermediary Loan Program, and the Small Business Administration Microloan Program. He has developed agriculture and business development projects for the Kentucky Highlands Empowerment Zone. Prior to coming to Kentucky Highlands, Edgar was Vice President Commercial Lending at Monticello Banking Company located in Monticello, Kentucky. He also served in the role of Loan Officer and Bank Operations Specialist during his tenure at Monticello Bank. Edgar has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Kentucky. He has attended various seminars in bank operations and lending as well as lending seminars conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Small Business Administration for their programs. Edgar participates in USDA business roundtables and is a participant in the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Growth Collaborative.

Birdie Watkins is an Investment Analyst for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation. Her responsibilities include business planning and research, financial modeling, budgeting and providing technical assistance to portfolio companies in the areas of accounting and marketing opportunities. She is also instrumental in loan documentation preparation. Birdie has previously held positions of Administrative Assistant at a construction company and an engineering company where she supported the project managers, engineers, and architects. She also served as student supervisor and secretary while attending Berea College. Mrs. Watkins has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Berea College, Berea, Kentucky. She has completed various work related training courses and is a graduate of Leadership Tri-County and Leadership East Kentucky. She also serves on the board of PEAK (Partners for Entrepreneurial Advancement in Kentucky), a statewide, non-profit supporting economic development through the growth of microenterprise development agencies and microenterprises. She serves on the Board of Tour SEKY, a nonprofit created to educate, expand, develop and market the existing and potential tourism industry throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

David's is responsible for monitoring all lines of credit through periodic evaluations of the companies. He also assists with the financial analysis of potential borrowers and new loans for existing borrowers.  He also helps with accounting financial reporting for two limited partnerships licensed by SBA. Southern Appalachian Fund, LP, is a New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) company and Meritus Ventures LP is a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC). Kentucky Highlands is responsible for all aspects of the financial management of these funds, including required reporting to the Small Business Administration. Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Managerial Finance from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. Prior to employment with Kentucky Highlands, David was employed as a Staff Accountant at Cloyd & Associates, PSC in Corbin, Kentucky and was Assistant Controller at Vinland Energy, LLC in Lexington, Kentucky.

Joey Carter is an Investment Analyst for Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation.  Joey’s main responsibility with Kentucky Highlands is over the microloan program. His mission is to help with economic development in twenty two counties in Kentucky by using Kentucky Highlands’ loan programs such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help with assisting both new startup companies and existing companies with their financial needs.  A large part of his responsibility is focused on providing technical assistance to portfolio companies and new start ups in areas of business planning, financial preparation, budgeting, and marketing opportunities.  Prior to coming to Kentucky Highlands, Joey was a certified insurance agent that worked for State Farm.  He also came with a background as a financial and bank lender, collection officer and compliance manager.  Joey has an Associates degree in Business Technology Management.

Joyce is responsible for monitoring lines of credit through periodic evaluations of the companies. She assists with the financial analyses of potential borrowers and new loans for existing borrowers. Joyce manages our internal Credit Risk Rating System for all portfolio companies and prepares monthly financial dashboard reports. She is also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our loan processing software, SPARK. Prior to joining Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Joyce was employed as an Accounting Specialist at Greene McCowan, PLLC. During her tenure at GMC, she was the liaison to the company’s largest client where she provided daily customer support, prepared monthly write ups, as well as other vital duties within the firm. Preceding GMC, Joyce worked at KCEOC, where she oversaw the local Workforce Development Center. She collaborated with local community partners to employ adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Joyce also served as a Bookkeeper Specialist and Financial Monitor at EKCEP, where she monitored the financial activity of subcontractors in a twenty-three-county service area. Joyce earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis from Somerset Community College. She has numerous certificates in customer service, leadership, and management skills.

Tyler Lake began his career in banking with First National Bank of London. He continued his career in in banking when he joined Community Trust Bank in Corbin as a Loan Officer. Tyler is currently a Investment Analyst for Kentucky Highlands Investment Company. He has roots in Clay County where he still lives in Manchester. Tyler is a graduate of Union College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in both Business Administration and Accounting.

Tara Robinson is a Technical Assistant Specialist.  She is responsible for providing technical assistance through consultation with existing borrowers and potential borrowers to enable them to complete the loan package requirements and ongoing reporting requirements.  Other responsibilities include gathering business information for credit risk rating and general information required from borrowers, conducting site visits and post loan activities. Ms. Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.  She is also a licensed CPA.  Prior to employment with Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Tara was employed as a Senior Staff Accountant at Senture, LLC and was an Accountant at Christian, Sturgeon, & Associates.

Brian Sizemore is a Technical Assistance Specialist. He is responsible for providing technical assistance through consultation with existing borrowers and potential borrowers to enable them to complete the loan package requirements and ongoing reporting requirements.  Other responsibilities include gathering business information for credit risk rating and general information required from borrowers, conducting site visits and post loan activities. Mr. Sizemore graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting. Prior to employment with Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Brian was a general manager for several retail locations. He also has experience as a finance and marketing manager.