Kaleigh Zeigler is a handler. She fixes things. Working within a network of little known state-formed agencies called Area Development Districts created in Kentucky in the 1960s, she keeps the wheels of progress turning for five counties and 11 cities within the Buffalo Trace along the Ohio River.
Whether emergency management services needs a new ambulance, a senior center needs to be built in a rural community or the Maysville Police Department needs to hire an interventional social worker, Kaleigh writes the federal and state grant proposals that raise the money to make it happen. She also rides herd on the project until it comes to fruition. Kaleigh is one of team of three in her district that includes Kevin Wells and their director, Kristie Dodge.
Maysville needed an environmental survey of Limestone Creek to open the area to recreation, so Kaleigh created a three-dimensional aerial model to map the creek and facilitate the biological testing of the water. The map revealed that sedimentation is blocking the creek’s flow. She coordinated with both the Kentucky Division of Water and the Army Corps of Engineers to fix the problem.
Additionally, the long-abandoned Haywood Hospital requires an environmental cleanup before it can be renovated. Kaleigh marshals the funds and oversees the abatement of asbestos and lead in order to render the buildings safe and to insure compliance with state and federal regulations. She is a liason, an overseer, a planner and a facilitator, who, without fuss or fanfare, keeps track of the paperwork and the budget, and allows elected officials to sleep well at night.
In conversation with Kaleigh’s director, Kristie Dodge, she described Kaleigh as conscientious. “She takes the initiative, is always professional, and finds common ground with those she deals with, ” Dodge said. “We deal with different types and it’s helpful that Kaleigh is calm and doesn’t get contentious when things heat up. She has good people skills. A smile and a Coke!”
Kaleigh grew up in Maysville. Her dad, Chad Ziegler, is a well-known building contractor in the city. After high school, she wanted out.
“I couldn’t wait to experience life outside of Maysville,” she said.
On her 19th birthday she moved into a dorm at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Three and a half years later, she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in geography and environmental science, and certificates in both geographic information systems and environmental health. When she went looking for work, she found her position advertised on Facebook. Now, three years into her career she reflects back on her decision to return to Mayville. “All the young people were leaving. I love my community, and I felt I had to do something,” Kaleigh said. “I like being involved and now I know I can make a difference. I’m here doing it —the next generation.”
When Kaleigh is not working for her community, she plays the cello, takes care of her two dogs and plays pickleball. She also teaches Sunday School for pre-schoolers at the Bible Baptist Church in West Union, Ohio.
