LONDON DOWNTOWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The London Downtown Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the future of the heart of our city. Their leadership provides both direction and accountability, serving as a compass for our long-term vision and a measuring stick for the impact of our programs, initiatives, and events. With deep roots in the community and a shared commitment to progress, the board helps ensure that London Downtown remains vibrant, inclusive, and full of possibility for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

  • Co-founder of Common Favor, a creative venture studio, Channing is dedicated to building thoughtful brands and vibrant spaces across southeastern Kentucky. With a background in interior design, photography, and real estate development, she brings a sharp eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of how physical spaces shape community connection.

    Channing has led revitalization projects of several local properties, including the transformation of The Magee into a luxury event venue in downtown London. Her work reflects a commitment to honoring the past while designing for the future, creating places that feel both timeless and alive. As a board member for London Downtown, Channing brings a unique blend of creative vision and practical expertise to efforts that strengthen the heart of the city.

  • Todd Strouse enjoys being part of efforts where he can leave things better than he found them - one of the key reasons he’s involved with London Downtown. He believes the community is truly special and is committed to working alongside the people of London to help ensure that others recognize just how remarkable it is.

    With a background and education in ministry, Todd remains passionate about serving others. He is a proud father of four amazing adult children and a grandfather to four adorable grandchildren, who lovingly call him “Poppy-T.”

    Professionally, Todd serves families in the London area as a Financial Advisor at the Downtown Branch of Edward Jones Investments, where he continues to support the community through both his work and his service.

  • Jessie Eldridge is an Advertising Representative at The Sentinel Echo, one of London’s most established news publications. As a board member of London Downtown and an active member of the London Rotary Club, Jessie brings deep community ties and a passion for local progress. Her work keeps her closely connected to businesses and residents alike, and she is a dedicated advocate for a vibrant and thriving London.

  • Jayca Miller is a local business owner and the founder of Reverie Skin Lab in downtown London, KY. Known for her passion for uplifting others and creating inclusive spaces, Jayca brings a unique perspective to the board as a beauty industry professional and small business advocate. She is also the creator of Locally Owned in Laurel, a growing community initiative focused on supporting and spotlighting small businesses throughout the region. Driven by creativity and heart, Jayca is committed to helping downtown London thrive through collaboration, revitalization, and meaningful connection.

  • As a dedicated nurse practitioner with over 13 years of experience in healthcare, I am passionate about advocating for meaningful change and dedicated to making both large and small moments in life more beautiful.

    Originally from Pineville, Kentucky, I have remained deeply connected to my community. I am an active supporter of Main Street Pineville and currently serve as a director for the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, working to celebrate and preserve the traditions and spirit of our region.

    I am married and a proud mother of two boys, and much of my free time is spent embracing family life. Outside of work and community service, I enjoy needlepointing, reading, and staying as active as possible.

  • Jessica Bledsoe is a dynamic leader dedicated to empowering communities and fostering long-term economic growth across eastern Kentucky. Her work is deeply rooted in supporting small businesses and creating environments where local entrepreneurs can thrive.

    A serial entrepreneur with experience spanning technology, spirits, and consumer brands, Jessica understands firsthand the realities of starting and scaling businesses. Having navigated both success and failure, she brings practical insight, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs realize their full potential.

    A native of southeastern Kentucky, Jessica returned to Laurel County after nearly two decades away, bringing with her broad experience and a strong desire to reinvest in the community that shaped her. 

    Outside of her professional endeavors, Jessica enjoys hiking in the Daniel Boone National Forest and traveling with her husband and their golden retriever. She also finds relaxation in enjoying a good book on her front porch.

  • As a lifelong resident of London, Kentucky, Chauncey is proud to be part of the community that helped shaped her values and work ethic. Today, she owns and operates her own accounting firm in London, where she is committed to helping local businesses manage their finances and achieve long-term success. Chauncey feels strongly that is a privilege to serve the community that has always been her home.

  • Jared was born and raised in Laurel County and started a delivery company called CJ On the Way in his senior year of High school at South Laurel. He is now studying Nuclear Engineering at The University of Tennessee while still helping to manage a new local delivery business in London called Hometown GO! While he’s not in town all the time, he feels it is his duty to support the great community of London wherever I can. When he saw the opportunity to join this board and help lift up our fantastic local businesses, he felt he had to do it! His primary goals are to encourage our youth to be involved in the community and teach the benefits of entrepreneurship.

  • Zach Coffey is a proud lifelong resident of London, Kentucky, who is deeply committed to investing in the community that shaped him. A graduate of North Laurel High School, Zach went on to attend Eastern Kentucky University, where he was actively involved in student government throughout all four years while earning a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services Administration.

    He later relocated to Louisville to continue his education at Spalding University, completing an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During that time, he also served as a student member of the Kentucky Nurses Association, further strengthening his commitment to leadership and service.

    Zach began working in healthcare at just sixteen years old at Laurel Heights in London. His career continued at Baptist Health Lexington and later with Norton Healthcare in Louisville, where he served in progressive leadership roles including critical care nurse, Assistant Nurse manager, and Clinical house supervisor. During this time Zach attended Northern Kentucky University and earned a Master of Science in Nursing Executive Leadership. After more than a decade away, he felt called to return home and reinvest in his community, accepting a leadership position as Director of post-acute services at a local hospital.

    In 2025, Zach stepped away from healthcare to pursue his entrepreneurial vision and founded Gone To The Dogs LLC in London, along with his sister. Through business ownership, he aims to contribute to a more vibrant, locally supported economy and help cultivate the kind of thriving community atmosphere he experienced while living in larger cities.

    Outside of his professional life, Zach enjoys playing piano, and interior design. He and his husband embraced returning to their roots, purchasing a farm where they raise livestock and garden.  They enjoy traveling abroad, skiing, farming, and hanging out with nieces and nephews. Zach is honored to serve on the board and looks forward to supporting initiatives that strengthen and enrich the community for generations to come.