Jesse Lee Amburgey has shown what an impact one Knott Countian can have statewide.  A coach, teacher and principal for 10 years, Amburgey left the education profession to take a job as director of the local community Action council (LKLP). In 1974, he assumed a position of statewide importance--Executive Secretary of the Kentucky Community Action Council; he remained
there until his retirement in 1994.  Upon his retirement, an annual award was named for the Jesse Amburgey Excellence Award in his honor.

Jesse is a 1952 graduate of Carr Creek High School. He furthered his education with a bachelor's degree from Berea, a Master of Arts from Morehead and a master of science from the University of Louisville. Amburgey's teaching career included three years as principal of Carr Creek Elementary School.

Jesse has always been very involved in civic and community events. He was a charter member of two Lions clubs and has been involved in that organization for over 30 years.  He has served in several different offices and is currently the president of the Hindman Lions Club.

Amburgey was president of an eight-state community action council when he retired, and had served on the national council.  He has been appointed to many influential organizations, such as the Governor's Task Force on Welfare Reform, the Kentucky Rural Development Committee, The Governor's Energy Task Force, the Governor's Economic Development Committee, the Institute on Aging, the Council for Manpower Sources and the state Council for Community Education. He has received the Distinguished Leadership Award and the
Educational Achievement Award from the Department of Education.

Currently, Jesse Lee serves on three state commissions, the Kentucky Community Services Commission, the Kentucky Advisory on the Homeless, and the Americorp Committee.  He is president of the Knott County Development Association is very involved with LKLP.  He also devotes his time to the Amburgey family reunion organization and the Carr Creek Reunion Committee, and to pursuits such a music which he enjoys.  He is a member of the Smithsboro Baptist church.                 

Jesse is the son of Dessie Amburgey and the Late Arnold Amburgey of Mallie.  Since his retirement, he and his wife, Betty, also live at Mallie. The couple as two sons, Greg and Jeff, one daughter, LeAngela, and three grandchildren with another on the way.

Corbett Mullins
May 1, 2003