Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs names new executive director

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, a residential summer program where 72 Kentucky teens focus on product innovation and business model design, has named Natasha Sams as its executive director.

Sams joined the organization in 2017 as program director and has been instrumental in reimagining GSE and implementing professional development opportunities for educators interested in integrating entrepreneurship into their classrooms.

Previously, she was an educator at Elkhorn Crossing School in Georgetown, Ky., where she was named the 2015 Most Impactful Educator and 2013 Teacher of the Year. She was also recognized in 2013 in the Kentucky Top Ten TELL Winner’s Circle for outstanding achievement in student and teacher impact based on Kentucky’s TELL Survey.

Sams has a BA in English education and an MA in educational leadership from Eastern Kentucky University, and is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Scott County. She currently serves on Northern Kentucky’s Education and Entrepreneurship Committee, focusing on innovative entrepreneurial practices and integrating those practices into secondary schools.

“GSE in on the rise, identifying and nurturing Kentucky’s next generation of young entrepreneurs,” said GSE board chairman Koleman Karleski. “I couldn’t be more excited to have Tasha at the helm of this impactful organization.”

Parents, educators, entrepreneurs and teens who believe grit, a growth mindset and creativity in problem solving tell as much about a young person as good grades and test scores, can learn more about the Governor’s School of Entrepreneurs at www.KentuckyGSE.com.

Because of strong partnerships with entities like the Kentucky Workforce and Education Development Cabinet, the Cabinet for Economic Development, and numerous public and private supporters, like The Marksbury Family Foundation and The Parker Family Fund, GSE is completely free for selected entrepreneurs. Alum of GSE gain access to a host of scholarship opportunities, totaling $2.5 million each year, to colleges and universities in Kentucky.

Applications for the 2020 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs will open Nov. 15.