Back to Change

For Trey Grayson, former Kentucky Secretary of State, life back home is one of transition. As the new president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Grayson understands that transition is nothing he can’t handle.

Grayson, who left the area nearly four years ago to become director of the Harvard University Institute of Politics, his alma mater, has returned to a region in as much transition as he is.

“The area is not the same as it was when I left,” Grayson says. “Being from Northern Kentucky is helpful in that I am familiar with the region, but having been away for three and a half years, I am able to provide a fresh focus, a fresh set of eyes to see things here.”

Grayson arrived and immediately got to work, and even during a previously-planned vacation, found time to prepare for his new position.

“It has been a pretty quick transition for me and my family,” Grayson says. “My last day at Harvard was June 25. We arrived here on that Friday and I began work July 1, even though I had been preparing for some time.”

That preparing continues in earnest for Grayson, who has had to adjust to his duties as president of the Chamber, and to his duties as husband and father to two daughters.

“Most days for me begin with a breakfast meeting, and then a number of meetings throughout the day,” Grayson says. “Getting started here at the Chamber, there are a lot of people to meet, and a lot to learn. In addition, there’s getting settled in for my wife, Nancy, and my daughters, the oldest of whom will be starting high school, which I still can’t believe.”

Grayson’s vision for improving business in the Northern Kentucky region begins with creating, cultivating and keeping talent and jobs in the area. “We want to improve the economy and lives of our citizens – the young people and adults – who are gaining valuable skills,” Grayson says. We want to help employers here connect with those people, to uplift both the businesses and the people here. We want to really make sure we have a framework to promote small business in the region.”

Chamber Chairwoman Debbie Simpson, president of Multi-Craft, who is a part of the group that selected Grayson for the position says, “Trey will bring a collaborative, fresh approach that will lead us in working together as a region. He has local, statewide and national connections and relationships, and a track record of success everywhere he’s been.”

Grayson, who is still getting re-acquainted with a vastly more diverse region than the more insulated one of Harvard, is nonetheless excited about what changes are in store for him. “Things so far have really been great,” he says. “I have enjoyed being home, getting to know people on staff here. I feel like I’ve been drinking from the fire hose: It’s been a challenge, but it tastes good.”