Jesse Parrish '05

Jesse M. Parrish, known among his fraternity brothers as Jesse, was initiated into Kappa Sigma in the fall of 2005 and graduated in 2009. He currently serves as the CEO of Blackhawk Mining, LLC, a leading coal production and marketing company. Jesse resides in Lexington with his wife, Anne and their two daughters, Winnie and Eloise.

At Blackhawk Mining, Jesse has played pivotal roles including President and CEO since 2019, CFO from 2017 to 2019, and VP of Strategic Development from 2014 to 2017. He has overseen operations of over 2,300 employees, contributing to an annual production of approximately 10 million tons of coal.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Jesse is serving as a current Board Member and former Chairman of both the West Virginia Coal Association and Kentucky Coal Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Mining Association and as a Trustee for the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation.

During his undergraduate years at the University of Kentucky, Jesse served as a Senator and Treasurer in the Student Government Association. His academic excellence was recognized with a B.B.A in Finance in 2009, followed by a J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2012.

Jesse’s fraternity involvement as an undergraduate included significant roles within Beta-Nu Chapter, such as Vice President of Philanthropy for the Interfraternity Council and recognition as New Member of the Year. His time was foundational, providing him with lifelong friendships and valuable experiences that influenced his personal and professional life.