Jared Arnett

Background

About Jared Arnett

I’m a pastor, entrepreneur, and rural optimist with nearly two decades of experience building what’s never been built before — in the places most people overlook. My passion is helping rural communities unlock their potential through innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and broadband connectivity. I believe that with the right strategy and the right people at the table, small towns can do big things. I served as the founding Executive Director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) — a public-private initiative created by Kentucky’s Governor and 5th District Congressman to help Eastern Kentucky transition beyond the coal economy. While there, I helped lead a movement that secured a $300M statewide broadband initiative (KentuckyWired), created thousands of remote jobs, launched tech and entrepreneurship programs, and helped transform coalfield communities into innovation hubs. Today, I continue that mission as: Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pikeville Co-founder of Mountain Music Exchange Founder of FaithLife Ministries Pastor of Teaching & Leadership at New Beginnings Fellowship Church I work with rural leaders, coalitions, and organizations across the country — through speaking, strategic coaching, and virtual consulting — to help them do things that have never been done. If you’re passionate about the future of rural communities, I’d love to connect. Find more information at