When Chris Elleman took office as Garrard County Judge/Executive in 2023, he didn’t envision himself as a politician. Coming from a background in business ownership and private industry, Elleman’s entry into public service was driven by motivation—he wanted to make a tangible difference.
“This isn’t a job I took for a paycheck,” Elleman explains. “I saw things I wanted changed, and I’m the kind of person that, if I’m going to talk about it, I’ll step up and do something about it.”
One of Elleman’s earliest and most meaningful initiatives began when he recognized that seniors in Garrard County were underserved. Sitting down with staff at the local senior center shortly after taking office, Elleman discovered the senior center lacked attention and support. He immediately prioritized changing that.
“Our seniors are the backbone of this community,” Elleman says. “They built this county, and it’s our job to care for them.”
Elleman’s advocacy for seniors quickly translated into action. When Bluegrass Community Action—funded and supported by the Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD)—had trouble filling the position of a retiring meal-delivery driver, Elleman didn’t hesitate. Together with the county clerk, sheriff and finance officer, he personally stepped in to deliver meals each week.
“For many of our seniors, the faces delivering these meals might be the only ones they see all week,” Elleman adds. “It’s about more than just food—it’s about dignity, companionship, and letting them know their community cares.”
Elleman and his small team deliver around 12 to 14 meals on their weekly city route, making connections and often staying to chat briefly with residents. These short interactions, Elleman notes, leave a lasting impression.
“We’ve built real relationships,” he says. “You see the smiles on their faces when they come by—it makes their day, and frankly, it makes ours too.”
This critical service, coordinated through the BGADD, reflects a partnership Elleman has come to greatly value. Before his term, Elleman had minimal knowledge about the role Area Development Districts play. Now, he leans heavily on the BGADD for senior meal programs and critical support such as grant writing and economic projects like the Highway 27 bypass around Lancaster.
In his capacity as Garrard County Judge/Executive, Elleman serves on BGADD’s Board of Directors, where he helps advocate for Garrard County’s needs on a regional level. Recognizing the importance of local voices, Elleman also made it a priority to fill committee seats that had long gone vacant.
“For years, we didn’t have a presence on some of these committees,” he adds. “That meant missed opportunities. I wanted our community at the table, being heard and making a difference.”
Elleman’s willingness to roll up his sleeves has had a ripple effect. More community members have stepped forward to help, whether delivering meals, checking in on neighbors, or simply lending a hand where needed. That growing support wouldn’t be possible without the behind-the-scenes help of the BGADD, which continues to play a vital role in keeping the wheels turning.
“Honestly, without the Bluegrass ADD’s support, providing these meals would be significantly harder,” Elleman said. “They handle logistics, funding, and coordination. It takes tremendous pressure off our local resources.”
To learn more about the Bluegrass Area Development District, visit https://www.bgadd.org/.
Interested in getting involved with the Bluegrass Area Development District? Call (859) 269-8021 or email info@bgadd.org.
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