FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear appointed Mary Elizabeth Bailey of Frankfort as secretary of the Personnel Cabinet.
Bailey has worked in state government, specifically in human resources, for more than 25 years and is currently serving as the deputy secretary of the cabinet.
“Mary Elizabeth has dedicated her career to public service and to helping our public servants,” Gov. Beshear said. “I cannot think of a better person to fill this role than Mary Elizabeth, who has long worked to support our hardworking state employees.”
“I have dedicated my career to public service and the needs of our workforce, and it is a true honor to be appointed by Gov. Beshear to serve as Personnel Cabinet secretary,” said Bailey. “I look forward to continuing to support our employees with the best possible employment experience and making the commonwealth the employer of choice for future applicants.”
Earlier today, Gov. Beshear announced that current Personnel Cabinet Secretary Gerina Whethers has accepted an appointment as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County.
“Secretary Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and passion to this position and to the Personnel Cabinet family,” Whethers said. “Almost three decades ago, Mary Elizabeth began her career in the Personnel Cabinet and has proven that she is the leader to elevate the Personnel Cabinet to newer, higher levels while serving the citizens of this commonwealth with poise and ease. I was fortunate to work with Mary Elizabeth side by side these past three and a half years and I have no doubt that she will be an exceptional leader.”
In her recent role as commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, Bailey oversaw the administration of the commonwealth’s employment application process, state payroll functions, official personnel records for state employees, the state classification and compensation system and the statewide performance management program.
During her tenure with the Personnel Cabinet, Bailey led the largest human resource transformation in over thirty years with the implementation of the Kentucky Human Resource Information System including streamlining and modernizing the personnel administration process, hiring within the Executive Branch and enhancing recruitment to ensure the commonwealth remains the employer of choice.
The effective date of Bailey’s appointment is Friday, May 19, 2023.
###