SOMERSET, KY – October 1, 2026
Fara Miniard joins the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation as its new Business Loan Officer, effective September 16.
With experience in public finance, accounting, and grant writing, Miniard brings a wealth of knowledge to SKED, accelerating growth in the lending department.
In her new role, Miniard will help expand SKED’s loan program by building new client relationships and providing funding solutions to customers across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
“SKED has a special role in directly supporting the people of Southeast Kentucky by offering practical tools and business solutions while also encouraging aspirations and acknowledging hard work. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the team and to serve our local businesses,” said Miniard.
Director of Lending Bob Burgess expressed enthusiasm about Miniard’s addition to the team: “Having someone with Fara’s background in accounting and nonprofit mission-alignment join our lending team is a real asset. She’s spent her career serving this region, and now she’ll be doing it by helping local entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow.”
Miniard has managed annual assets, conducted account reconciliations, prepared financial reports, and administered grant funding, complemented by previous experience in economic development, all of which are invaluable for serving SKED’s 45-county service area.
Miniard, a Russell County native, lives in Somerset with her husband and their cats, dogs, and ducks. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Lindsey Wilson University.
