The Center for Rural Development announces Robert “Bob” Mitchell, former district administrator and long-time political advisor for U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), will serve a three-year term on its Executive Committee.
Mitchell, who retired earlier this year as Congressman Rogers’ district administrator, will continue to serve the residents of Southern and Eastern Kentucky as the newest member of The Center’s Executive Committee.
“Bob has been a friend of The Center and supporter of the work we are doing to improve the quality of life for all residents in Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center. “We are fortunate to have Bob serve on our Executive Committee and lend his experience and expertise in helping to transform this region we all call home.”
Mitchell, who served side-by-side with Congressman Rogers from the beginning of his political campaign in the early 1980s, will serve as a member-at-large on the Executive Committee.
“I am looking forward to continuing my work in the region through The Center’s Executive Committee,” Mitchell said. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds for The Center and the counties within its 45-county primary service area. This opportunity gives me a chance to continue to do what I love best and that is to serve the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.”
As district administrator for Congressman Rogers, Mitchell worked closely with state, county, and city governments as well as area development districts across Southern and Eastern Kentucky to help seek grant funding for critical infrastructure, flood protection, economic development, and tourism.
He served in that capacity from 1986 until the time of his retirement in May and was responsible for the direct supervision of three field offices in Somerset, Hazard, and Prestonsburg.
Mitchell is a founding member of the National Institute Hometown Security (NIHS), Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment, and Education), Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED), and Southern Kentucky Tourism Association. He continues to serve on their respective boards.
Bob and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters and four grandchildren. They make their home in Corbin.
The Center, a nonprofit organization based in Somerset, Ky., is recognized across the state for its efforts to provide leadership and scholarship opportunities for the region’s next generation of leaders through its three summer youth programs: Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, and Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI).
