In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Kaycee welcomes Anne-Tyler Morgan, Member at McBrayer and Chair of the firm's Economic Development Practice Group. Anne-Tyler shares how growing up in rural Kentucky, riding alongside her developer father, sparked a lifelong passion for public policy, law, and community development. She discusses her unconventional path from in-house counsel to private practice, the evolution of economic development law, and the critical role legal strategy plays in helping communities attract investment and create opportunity. Anne-Tyler also offers thoughtful insights on leadership, mentorship, resilience, and what it means to be a woman leading in traditionally male-dominated spaces. From housing policy and workforce development to regional collaboration and community engagement, this conversation highlights the people, partnerships, and purpose behind economic development in Kentucky.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why successful projects depend on collaboration among attorneys, government leaders, economic developers, utility providers, consultants, and community stakeholders working toward a shared vision.
- Bringing legal counsel into projects early can help identify risks, structure incentives, navigate approvals, and save both time and money throughout the development process.
- Anne-Tyler emphasizes the importance of listening before speaking, respecting institutional knowledge, and trusting intuition when leading teams and making decisions.
- Housing availability, workforce development, tax policy, and regional cooperation are increasingly important factors in creating thriving communities and sustaining long-term growth.
Quotable: “ I hope that a few generations from now, someone can point to a company and say, ‘My granddaddy worked there,’ and know that I had a small part in making that possible.”
Resources and Links
Connect with Anne-Tyler Morgan on LinkedIn
Lexington Lawyers, Louisville Kentucky Attorneys | McBrayer PLLC
Anne-Tyler Morgan | Lexington, KY Healthcare and Campaign Finance Lawyer: McBrayer PLLC