The Board of Directors of UNITE Pike is pleased to announce that it has selected Jarrod Hunt of Pikeville as the new Executive Director of the organization.

Jarrod Hunt, UNITE Pike Director

“We are delighted to have Jarrod aboard at UNITE Pike,” said Bob Thompson, Chairman of the Board. “We believe Jarrod’s experience in building relationships in the community and his leadership in government, non-profit and community service will help UNITE Pike expand its reach in Pike County.”

As Executive Director, Hunt will be responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for UNITE Pike as the organization carries out its mission of educating and empowering organizations and citizens of Pike County to combat substance abuse.

Before joining UNITE Pike, Hunt was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Pike County Fiscal Court following eleven years in pastoral ministry serving three churches in the Louisville metro area as well as working as a hospice chaplain. Hunt is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, a chaplain for the Pike County Sheriff’s Office as well as serving on several other boards and committees in the community. A native of the Grapevine community in Pike County, Hunt studied communication and religious studies at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

“I am excited to become a part of this great organization,” Hunt said. “Substance abuse is the greatest social issue this community faces. I believe that if we can continue to work together as a community we can overcome this evil and bring the hope of healing and restoration to those who struggle with substance abuse addiction.”
UNITE Pike is a member organization of Operation UNITE.

“We are excited to have someone of Jarrod’s ability to take the lead on anti-drug initiatives within Pike County,” said Karen Kelly, UNITE director. “Because Pike County is the largest in Kentucky there are many added challenges. We have enjoyed tremendous community support in the past and look forward to new opportunities in the future.”

Operation UNITE works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover narcotics investigations, coordinating treatment for substance abusers, providing support to families and friends of substance abusers, and educating the public about the dangers of using drugs. UNITE’s goal is to educate and activate individuals by developing and empowering community coalitions to no longer accept or tolerate the drug culture.

UNITE Pike is generously supported by the Pike County Fiscal Court, the City of Pikeville, the Pike County Board of Education, Operation UNITE and other agencies, groups, businesses and individuals.

Hunt is available to speak to schools, churches, and community organizations who wish to learn more about how UNITE Pike is working for Pike County. You can reach the UNITE Pike office at (606) 433-9329 or e-mail unite@unitepike.org. Connect with UNITE Pike on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/unitepike), Twitter (@unitepike) or on the web at http://www.unitepike.org.

Persons wishing to report suspected illegal drug use or sales can contact Operation UNITE’s Drug Tip Line at 1-866-424-4382 – the call is free and you do not have to give your name. For more information about substance abuse treatment call the Operation UNITE Treatment Referral Line at 1-866-90-UNITE.