Jay Weatherford

Jay Weatherford brings more than 24 years of experience as a social and economic entrepreneur dedicated to strengthening communities through infrastructure development and collaborative leadership. Throughout his career, he has partnered with governmental agencies, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, churches, and community stakeholders to develop sustainable resources that promote health, safety, nutrition, aging services, early childhood education, self-sufficiency, and public education.

Jay currently serves on the Forney City Council in Forney, Texas, where he continues his commitment to building practical pathways that empower individuals and families to navigate their circumstances and achieve long-term stability.

He joined the Great Expectations Board in 2013 and has served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, including the Rural Health Network of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, the Wright County (Minnesota) Health Task Force, and the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership. He also served as an operational consultant and legislative liaison for the Southeastern Oklahoma Interlocal Cooperative.

Jay retired in 2021 as Executive Director of Wright County Community Action Agency. Prior to that role, he served as Associate Director over Health, Education, and Early Childhood programs at Little Dixie Community Action Agency (now Lift Community Action).

Beginning his career as a Certified Public Accountant, Jay also developed and operated multiple small businesses, including traditional, franchise, and manufacturing enterprises. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Jay and his wife, Michelle, a teacher in Rockwall ISD, have been married for 40 plus years. They have three married children and four grandchildren.