MEET
IAN
A LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE
born & raised kentuckian.
Where it all began.
Ian was born in Midway to two working-class parents: his mother from Kentucky and his father from Brooklyn, New York, but both united by the Horse Capital of the World. His mom grew up as the daughter of a farmer and a dedicated public servant, where she learned the values of hard work. His dad grew up in New York, where he was introduced to the horse industry, ultimately leading him to Kentucky. Together, they opened up their small business in Midway, Kentucky, in 1998.
Much of Ian’s childhood was spent at his parents’ small business, around horse farms, and learning the value of hard work. He saw a community that not only supported his parents when they needed it, but a community that supported their family. He learned his true calling: public service.
advocate and organizer.
working for everyone.
Ian went to public schools his entire childhood. He’s a proud product of them. He learned the struggles of others. It struck Ian that the opportunities available to children and their families are often based on their ZIP code. That discrimination is still rampant. The issues in the classroom can be connected to issues in the community. He came away with a lesson: even when you don’t live the same experience as others or even when you haven’t experienced something, we must fight for everyone.
Through his own lived experiences and with a passion to help others, he first got involved in politics. Through different organizations, he connected with other young people both in Kentucky and throughout the nation. From Louisville to Belfy, Bowling Green to Villa Hills, and everywhere in between, he learned what issues were affecting those in their communities. That’s when he knew he needed to get involved in making change. Coming off the 2016 election and into the 2018 midterms, he started volunteering for campaigns, advocating for change, and continued listening to what issues are important to folks. He’s dedicated his life to ensuring everyone is heard, respected, and has the ability to live a better life.
a background of service.
always learning.
Amidst his advocacy work in High School and college work, Ian found another way to help people: helping them find home. After graduating from high school and obtaining his Associate’s Degree from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), he began a career in real estate. After inspiration from his mentor, he joined a top-producing, boutique brokerage, Indigo & Co Realty. His real estate career has opened his eyes to the housing affordability crisis, economic development, and how to balance historical preservation with growth.
He continued his education at Transylvania University, studying Business Management and Political Science. Although Transy provided plenty of opportunities and learning, an opportunity arose to attend the University of Kentucky in the Martin School of Public Policy & Administration. He went on to study Public Policy and Political Science, focusing on housing, urban planning, human rights, and agriculture.
community leader.
serving the people.
Ian has a passion for helping people. He believes in doing the right thing for us. He believes leaders should work for us, lifting people up and building bridges, not tearing us apart. After years of working on campaigns, advocacy work, and organizing, Ian felt a calling to do more. That’s when he decided to run for Midway City Council.
He committed himself to being the representative of the people. He didn’t see anyone like himself in politics. He didn’t see meaningful policy change for the future. He knew he had an uphill battle in a contested General Election. Despite being the youngest in the field, Ian won a seat on the Midway City Council. He became the youngest elected official in City history. He became one of the youngest elected officials in Kentucky and the nation. He became the youngest, openly LGBTQ+ elected official in Kentucky and likely, the nation.
It wasn’t about making history. It’s always been about the people.