1:45 PM

Getting Grant Ready

Melissa Vermillion, Hannah Conover, and Connie Estep with Grant Ready Kentucky provide a general grant preparedness overview.

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How Session Aligns with CEDS and Local Strategic Plans

Each breakout session featured is thoughtfully aligned with the key goals and objectives outlined in both the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Local Strategic Plans developed for each of BRADD’s 10 counties. These sessions were designed to support the implementation of locally driven priorities and regional strategies that move our communities forward.

Relevant strategic plan objectives being covered by this session:

Presenters:

Chief Strategy Officer, Grant Ready Kentucky

Melissa Vermillion

About me

Melissa Vermillion has been a grant writer for Hazard Community and Technical College for 12 years and has been teaching grant writing since 2016. She is one of only 13 individuals in Kentucky who have earned the Grant Professional Certification through the Grant Professionals Certification Institute and the first within KCTCS.  

Melissa currently mentors grant professionals at five KCTCS colleges: Ashland, Maysville, Big Sandy, Southeast, and Gateway. Prior to joining the college, she served as the director for aging programs in Perry County where she was also successful in a variety of grant and fundraising opportunities, tripling the amount of donations to the program over her tenure. Melissa has a bachelor degree in business administration and an MBA from Morehead State University. She has been married to Kevin Vermillion for 34 years and has two adult children, Rebekah and Alex.

Executive Director, Grant Ready Kentucky

Hannah Conover

About me

Hannah Conover is the Executive Director of Grant Ready Kentucky, an organization dedicated to increasing access to grant funding and building capacity for communities across the Commonwealth. She leads efforts to provide training, technical assistance, and strategic support to nonprofits, local governments, and other stakeholders seeking federal, state, and private funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, program development, and community engagement, Hannah is passionate about strengthening Kentucky’s ability to compete for transformative investments. She holds a degree in Public Administration and is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation across the state.

Chief Grant Services Officer, Grant Ready Kentucky

Connie Estep

About me

As lead of grant services operations, Connie focuses on delivering strategic support for organizations pursuing federal and other funding opportunities. She oversees grant writing resources, proposal review process, and direct assistance for clients, ensuring high-quality, competitive applications. Her role is dedicated to helping Kentucky’s communities access vital funding to fuel their missions, strengthen local impact, and drive statewide progress.


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CEDS Summit 2025