Kentucky Department of Agriculture

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Following through on his promise to afford time and resources to the economic growth and stability of rural communities, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer has named Grayson Smith to be his Director of Rural Economic Development. Smith, who served as the Commissioner’s Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Administration, will transition to his new position this month and will partner with entrepreneurs, small businesses, municipalities, and legislators to promote economic growth in agriculture and agri-business areas.

“Grayson Smith is the perfect point man to lead our Department in this area,” said Commissioner Comer. “His business experience and relationships with local elected officials will serve the Department’s mission to promote economic growth in areas that are often ignored.”

Smith sees the transition as one that will be natural but challenging. “It has always been my goal to give back to the community where I grew up,” Smith said. “I share Commissioner Comer’s vision to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Commonwealth, and the economic progression of our rural communities is the foundation for that.”

Smith is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he played football for the Wildcats. Smith and his wife, Amanda, have a home in Salyersville, where they raise their two daughters, 8-year old Presley and 2-year old Bentley.