George Ward leads the University of Kentucky’s economic development activities and oversees development at the Coldstream Research Campus. George interacts regularly with state and local economic development professionals and real estate developers to assist with creating new companies, attracting established businesses and growing well-paying jobs in Central Kentucky.  

George’s early career was spent in the hospitality industry where he served 18 years as president of H&W Management Company, a hotel development and management company that he co-founded.  George believes much of his success is due to the entrepreneurial and hospitality philosophies he has practiced throughout his career.