Marshall County's J. R. Gray to Retire as Labor Secretary

Deputy Secretary Mark Brown named Acting Secretary
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2010) – Governor Steve Beshear announced today the retirement of Kentucky Secretary of Labor J.R. Gray.  Sec. Gray has decided to return to his hometown of Benton, Ky., to spend more time with his family.

“When I returned the Labor Department to Cabinet-status, I knew I needed someone to lead the organization who would put Kentucky’s hard-working families first,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Sec. Gray has fulfilled this mission well, and I thank him for his many years of service to the state.”

Prior to his tenure at the Cabinet, Sec. Gray had a long career as a union leader.  He also served for 26 years as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, including Chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee for more than a decade.

“I have been a lucky man throughout my life,” said Sec. Gray.  “Leading the Labor Cabinet has been the culmination of an exciting career, from becoming a machinist in my twenties to representing the good people of the Sixth House District in the state legislature to Cabinet Secretary.  I am proud of the work of the Labor Cabinet under my leadership in protecting the safety and well-being of Kentucky workers.  However, I have reached a point in my life where, after a very satisfying and rewarding career, I am ready to slow down, and spend more time with my loving family.” 

Gov. Beshear has promoted Deputy Secretary Mark Brown to serve as Acting Secretary of Labor.  “I have great confidence in Mark’s abilities, and believe his past experience will serve the people of the Commonwealth well.”

Brown served fourteen years as a state representative, serving Meade, Hardin, and Bullitt counties from 1985-1998.  He served as Meade County judge executive from 1998-2002.  Prior to his service as Deputy Secretary, Brown has worked the past five years for Lusk Mechanical Services at Fort Knox.  During his tenure in the legislature, Brown served on the Labor and Industry Committee, chaired the Job Training, Licensing & Apprenticeships Subcommittee and chaired the Budget Subcommittee on General Government, which included the Department of Labor budget.  Brown also served on the KY Job Training Coordinating Council and is a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 502.

 “I am humbled and honored by Gov. Beshear’s appointment,” said Brown.  “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with the many fine industries in Kentucky to provide the safest and healthiest workplaces for their employees and at the same time create an environment that is conducive to economic opportunity for both employer and employee.”