Terry Brooks

Kentucky Youth Advocates - Executive Director

Terry Brooks is in his seventh year as Executive Director at Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA), the only group in the Commonwealth that focuses on children, youth and families through multiple policy lenses. That unique role means that the mission of KYA is as simple as it is profound – to make Kentucky the best place in America to be young. As the independent voice for Kentucky’s children and youth for more than 30 years, KYA addresses policy issues in a variety of areas, including economic well-being, health, safety, early childhood, K-12 education, immigrant/refugee youth, and juvenile justice.

KYA is the state’s KIDS COUNT group and also is the state affiliate for Voices of America’s Children and America’s Promise Alliance. KYA’s policy initiatives combine rigorous research, public engagement, program implementation and legislative/executive advocacy at both the state and national levels.

Before joining KYA, Dr. Brooks served as a teacher, principal and central office senior administrator in a variety of districts throughout Kentucky.