County Talk Highlights: Who is Jamie Bewley Byrd?
In this episode of County Talk, we get an up-close and personal look into the life of Jamie Bewley Byrd — a civil engineer turned entrepreneur, mom of four, and now Barren County’s Judge Executive. Jamie’s story is one of faith, family, grit, and a heart for her community.
Jamie began her career in civil engineering after graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2004. She later stepped away from the transportation sector to raise her children and launch The Cheerleader Magazine alongside her sister — a business that grew to have international reach.
Between 2009 and 2015, Jamie had four children, including twins. These years shaped her perspective, and she and her husband Daniel made the life-changing decision to move back to Barren County to be near family and raise their kids in a close-knit community.
Returning home didn’t slow her down. Jamie continued investing in local cheer gyms, growing a business presence that now spans seven gyms across four states. Her entrepreneurial spirit poured into the community as well — leading efforts like reviving 4th of July fireworks during COVID through her nonprofit, Helping the Hardworking.
In 2020, Jamie was encouraged to run for office — and she listened. Her campaign was grassroots and hands-on, including knocking on over 3,000 doors. With unwavering support from family, friends, and mentors, she stepped into public service with a fresh vision for the county.
Jamie balances her role as a public servant and business owner by trusting the people around her. She leads with a “big picture” mindset and empowers her team to grow in their roles. “I don’t micromanage,” she says. “I give people wings to fly.”
As Judge Executive, Jamie wears many hats — and one of them is being Barren County’s biggest cheerleader. She frequently travels to Frankfort and Washington D.C. as a vocal advocate, lobbying for resources and recognition — often on her own dime.
From Austin Tracy Elementary to Cave City and Park City, Jamie’s passion for the entire county shines through. She supports schools, partners with local leaders, and works to draw investment and tourism, especially to gems like Barren River Lake.
While others wonder about her future political ambitions, Jamie is clear: “I’m in Barren County.” She’s raising her kids here, investing her time, energy, and even personal funds into projects that make her community thrive.
