b'Two Decadesof SuccessMyrna Ballard GuidedChamber to New Heights F or Myrna H. Ballard, growing up in the small town of Hyden, Kentucky made a lasting impression, P I H S R E D A E L one that shaped her passion for economic and community growth.Sheltered by the Appalachian Mountains, Hydenpopulation less than 400 was once a booming coal-mining town. The vanishing of coal mines began many years ago, and as the demand diminished, so did the jobs.It was always up and down with jobs in the coal mines, mostly depending on the price at the time, says Ballard. With little other industries, the biggest employer in Hyden was, and still is, the school system.Having parents who were both educators, Ballard and her siblings were raised with a deep appreciation of the importance of education. We always knew that we would go to college; it was important to my parents, especially my father.Ready to set out on her own, Ballard attended Western Kentucky University, where she earned a bachelors degree in sociology.My father agreed to help with my bachelors degree, but I was on my own when it came to graduate school, Ballard says. I applied for graduate assistantships just about everywhere and ended up getting the best offer from Texas A&M WES SEWELLUniversity, where she earned a masters degree in community development.Though she was a thousand miles from Hyden, her thoughts on ways to improve her hometownand others like itwas a driving force.44 SG MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 45'