Jared Revlett, Public Information Officer for Owensboro Public Schools is an Owensboro native. See why he decided to return to his hometown after years of absence!
Jared Revlett
Are you originally from Owensboro? If not, when did you move to Owensboro? Why did you move here?
I am originally from Owensboro, however, I moved away for about 10 years to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. I had a lot of fun working with NASCAR, Lipcomb University, independent baseball in the Frontier League, and the Lynchburg Hillcats of Minor League Baseball. My career brought me back to Kentucky in 2015 and I transitioned into the Public Relations world in Louisville. I moved back to Owensboro in the winter of 2017 after being offered the job to run the Public Relations for Owensboro Public Schools. At first, I was hesitant to move back to my hometown, but I had come back to visit a few times and had seen how far the city had come in a 10-year period and knew that it was the right decision.
What is your favorite thing about living in Owensboro?
It’s really hard to pick just one thing, but I love how Owensboro has a lot of the things that big cities offer, while maintaining their small-town charm. We have one of the best symphonies in the country that offers great season ticket rates for young professionals, we have a number of festivals throughout the year that are free to attend, and we have a wonderful community for active people. Personally, I’m a big bike rider and found a great group of people who are always looking to ride and that’s just one example of how easy it is to make connections here.
What would you say to someone thinking about moving to Owensboro?
I have lived in a lot of different cities since I graduated from Daviess County High School in 2008 and there is one thing that stands out about Owensboro over every other place I’ve lived…the friendliness of the people. People in Owensboro go out of their way to help others and make outsiders feel welcome. This city has always rallied around each other and does more to help each and every citizen than any place I have lived.
What has been the biggest surprise about Owensboro to you?
As someone who grew up in Owensboro and left for a long time, the biggest surprise to me is just how far this city has come over the last 10 years. Back in high school, it was always, “There is nothing to do in this town.” However, you never hear that anymore. There are so many great local restaurants to visit, festivals and concerts to attend, and there is always a group of people getting together for something.
How do you enjoy spending your free time/weekends in Owensboro?
One of the things that makes Owensboro great is that you can have the big city feel with small town charm, but you also aren’t far from escaping to the country for a while if you need to. In my free time, I typically take off for a long bike ride or head out to the country for some quiet time hunting in the woods. Also, I can often be found practicing to become the next BBQ Festival champion, smoking some pulled pork or ribs and drinking some Kentucky bourbon on my back patio with my girlfriend who recently moved to Owensboro from Louisville!
What advice would you give to a young professional looking for a career in Owensboro?
Seize the opportunity! Owensboro is the perfect place to really advance your career. We have a strong young professionals’ group in town and community and business leaders really take the time to listen to our ideas and implement them into the community and organizations. Owensboro provides a unique opportunity to live, work and play that not only provides a great work/life balance, but is a place you’ll love to call home.