Jimmie E. Wilson

Jimmie Wilson is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, reentry/recovery, and workforce development. She has extensive knowledge and is currently employed as the Director of Recovery/Reentry Services for the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP).  Her previous positions have spanned the Justice System Coordinator for Recovery/Reentry Programs and Project Director over the CSCR Grant’s Harding County Project, and she has been instrumental in driving positive change and social impact throughout her career.

 With a strong background as a former schoolteacher, student personnel manager, business community liaison, and job entry and entry support specialist, Jimmie deeply understands individuals' challenges and opportunities in their career journeys. Over 29 years, Jimmie has significantly contributed to various esteemed programs, including the Head Start program, Floyd County Schools educational system, and the Job Corps program.

In 2019, Jimmie joined the EKCEP team as a Job Developer/Retention & Reentry Specialist for the innovative statewide program eKART (Eastern Kentucky Addiction & Recovery Training), then doing the same work with the Strategic Initiative for Transformational Employment (SITE) Program.  In this role, Jimmie has played a pivotal role in assisting people in the region to find gainful employment while linking them to other essential services they may require. Her dedication to fostering strong connections with businesses has resulted in successful transitional employment opportunities for numerous program participants while working with drug courts and reentry across Kentucky. Jimmie also manages the Crisis Stabilization Community Reentry Grant (CSCR) for the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) in the Hardin Co. Detention Center.

Jimmie's passion for promoting justice, recovery, and reentry extends beyond their professional duties. They hold key leadership positions, including serving as the Eastern KY Reentry Council Chair, a Southeast Chamber Board Member, and a Turning Point Domestic Violence Board Member. Additionally, Jimmie contributes their expertise as a KSAP Council Member and holds a significant role on the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health: Court Responses Workgroup.

Jimmie is a proud graduate of Morehead State University, having earned a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. Jimmie resides in Lexington, KY, with her husband, Carl, and their beloved three dogs.