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Sekri

About Us

About Us

Our Mission

SEKRI’s mission is clear and unwavering: to provide qualified personnel, facilities, and services for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to obtain and maintain competitive employment. This mission guides every decision we make, every contract we pursue, and every product we manufacture. Our work is rooted in the belief that meaningful employment fosters independence, dignity, and personal growth.

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About Us

Our Story

Founded in Corbin, Kentucky, in 1971, SEKRI began as a small organization dedicated to creating job opportunities for people with mental and physical disabilities at a time when few options existed in the region. Southeast Kentucky, like much of Appalachia, faced chronic unemployment and limited access to supportive workplaces for individuals with significant disabilities.

Over time, SEKRI expanded its capabilities, facilities, and workforce:

1984

Began participating in the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Program, now known as the AbilityOne Program, which requires that at least 75 percent of direct labor be performed by individuals with significant disabilities.

1984

1993

Opened a 30,000-square-foot facility dedicated to sewing and manufacturing military apparel.

1993

1996

Reached $1.8 million in annual military apparel sales and expanded operations into multiple regional facilities.

1996

2011

Earned Lockheed Martin’s Platinum Vendor Supplier Rating and launched a vendor-managed inventory program supporting aerospace manufacturing.

2011

2013

Expanded into offsite soldier training range construction and simulation support.

2013

Today

SEKRI operates eight facilities across Kentucky and Tennessee and employs hundreds across the region, remaining one of Appalachia’s most impactful mission-driven employers.
Today
About Us

Leadership

SEKRI’s leadership team brings decades of expertise in manufacturing, engineering, rehabilitation services, quality assurance, operations, and finance.
Leo Miller
Executive Director
15 years in finance and business operations
Norm Bradley
Executive Advisor
45 years in the textile products manufacturing industry.
Amanda Farris
Director of Finance
11 years in accounting and finance.
Barry Perret
Director of Manufacturing
33 years in engineering and textile manufacturing.
Cheryl Sanders
Director of Rehabilitation Services
38 years in human services and textile manufacturing.
Greg Wilson
Director of Operations
Rebecca Blackburn
Director of Engineering
18 years in engineering and mining operations.
Lisa Crigger
Director of Contracting
32 years in textile products manufacturing.
Pat Miller
Director of Quality Assurance
27 years in textile manufacturing.
Stan Baker
Director of Purchasing
34 years in automotive and apparel industry operations.
Mike Anderson
Director of Commercial Sales
30 years in industrial sales.
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Our Commitment to Appalachia

SEKRI is deeply rooted in the Appalachian region, intentionally locating and expanding in communities that have faced decades of economic hardship. Our presence provides:
  • Stable, competitive employment opportunities
  • Economic support for underserved rural communities
  • Skill development and long-term career pathways
  • Workplace accommodations tailored to employees’ needs
We recognize that meaningful work strengthens communities. SEKRI is proud to invest where others often do not, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening Appalachia through inclusive economic growth.

The AbilityOne Program & JWOD

As a long-standing participant in the AbilityOne Program, SEKRI proudly maintains the requirement that at least 75 percent of direct labor is performed by persons with significant disabilities. This framework is foundational to our mission and ensures our organization continues to create equitable opportunities for those who need them most.

ISO Quality Management

SEKRI is fully committed to continuous improvement through ISO 9001 certification. We have maintained ISO certification since 2008 through rigorous audits that span multiple facilities. Our quality management system ensures:
  • Consistent product quality
  • Compliance with demanding specifications
  • Reliable delivery performance
  • A culture of ongoing improvement across all departments
About Us

Our Values

People First

We prioritize dignity, independence, and opportunity for every employee.

Quality Always

Our customers depend on accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery—and we uphold those expectations every day.

Integrity in Action

As a nonprofit serving a vital mission, transparency and accountability guide our work.

Community Commitment

We exist to strengthen the communities of Appalachia through employment, education, and support.

Innovation Through Purpose

We adapt, automate, and engineer solutions that improve both product quality and employee success.

About Us

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you sell products directly to consumers?
No. All manufacturing is contract-based for military, government, nonprofit, and commercial partners.
SEKRI provides competitive employment for individuals with disabilities, as defined by the AbilityOne Program, as well as others seeking supportive employment environments.
We operate eight facilities across Kentucky and Tennessee. Full details are available on the Locations page.
We produce a wide range of military, government, and commercial textile products, including PCU components, IFAK items, military headgear, tactical pouches, and more.
Businesses and government agencies may contact our team through the “Start a Project” form to begin a capability review.