Babbage Cofounder

Pam Jenkins is a senior partner with Babbage Cofounder. She is involved in city, state, and federal government issues.

With rural Kentucky roots, Pam was raised in Willisburg in Washington County. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, she developed a keen business savvy at a young age. In addition to a farm her father operated a restaurant, trucking and fertilizer companies. Among other enterprises, beginning in her 20s, Pam managed the payroll for Jenkins Trucking. This led to full management of the firm. She won state and local awards for her work, became a strong community activist and established a diversified career, providing her with the attributes of an outstanding government affairs advocate.

Pam initially studied as a physician’s assistant at Eastern Kentucky University and general business at St. Catharine College and the University of Kentucky.  She later earned a business degree from Fugazzi Business College.  In Washington County, in her first job as a physician’s assistant, she began her long career grasping the ins and outs of the medical and Medicaid systems. In the 1970s she served as one of the first emergency medical technician for the ambulance service in her county.

Pam stepped up to manage the family businesses after a sudden death in her family in 1974. Her many responsibilities took her all over the state. She focused on asset management, preventive maintenance policies, cash flow, managing economic downturns and union relationships. She established offices in Springfield, Campbellsville and Lexington. In 1986 the Lexington Chamber of Commerce recognized Pam with the Small Business of the Year Award and appointed her to the board of directors.

In the mid 70s Pam was named Entrepreneur of the Year in Washington County by the Business and Professional Women’s Organization and was one of six state finalists. Pam was one of the first members of the Prichard Committee and one of the first parents to circle the wagons to get schools involved. As the board president she brought a business perspective to organizations such as the Homemaker’s Association and taught women nontraditional skills such as auto maintenance, changing oil and flat tires. She also trained women on personal safety rights through the Rape Crisis Center at a time when these subjects were taboo for women.

Also in 2002 Pam received the YWCA Lexington Woman of Achievement Award and served on the Education Development Committee for the University of Kentucky in from 1986-1990.

Pam met Bob Babbage on a Lexington Chamber of Commerce leadership trip. In 1990 she was invited by Bob to serve with him in the State Auditor’s office as a project manager and assistant chief of staff. Pam followed Bob to the Secretary of State’s office where she was project manager to implement a “register to vote by phone” system. This collaborative initiative involved an extensive network including 120 county clerks and the Transportation Department’s data system. Through Bob’s leadership and Pam’s management, the system was conceptualized and implemented in just six months.

Pam began her work as a government affairs consultant in 1993 as the Kentucky legislative agent for MCI. Others quickly followed, including AFLAC, where she continues to serve on their governmental relations policy team and as an active member in their biennial governmental summit.

Pam enjoys helping businesses grow and successfully chart the political system. She is invigorated by truthful debate and resolutions that are mutually beneficial.  Today, she continues to focus on clients varying from transportation to health service and from education to insurance. Her strong business background and legislative expertise is a winning combination for the Babbage Cofounder team.

Pam is married to Sam McGee, who is a retired surgeon and the current director of Nathaniel Mission. They live in Lexington and have four adult children, five grandchildren and a dog named Max McGee. They enjoy gardening together, entertaining, cooking, reading and opera. Pam is an active member of First Presbyterian Church, on the board for the Lexington Bach Choir and a past board member of the Lexington Chamber Chorale.