The Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame was established in 2012 by the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration to recognize leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary public service to their communities and state.
Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame
Inductees 2012 through 2023
Senator Gerald Neal
2023 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Neal, of Louisville, currently is the longest-serving member of the Kentucky State Senate. Elected in 1989, he is the first Black American to hold leadership positions in the Kentucky General Assembly. He served as Senate Democratic Caucus Chair from 2014-16 and earlier this year was elected as the Senate Democratic Floor Leader. He also is on the Executive Committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). A graduate of Kentucky State University, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Michigan before earning his law degree from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.
Edward T. "Ned" Breathitt
2023 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
A Hopkinsville, Kentucky, native with undergraduate and law degrees from UK, Breathitt served as Kentucky’s governor from 1963-67. His term is remembered for the 1966 enactment of landmark civil rights legislation as well as increased support for education, a renewed focus on economic growth and industrial development, and expansion of the state highway and park systems. During his years as governor, he served as chair of the UK Board of Trustees, chairing the board again from 1992-99. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 78.
Honorable Martha Layne Collins, Former Kentucky Governor
2021-22 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins is being honored as the 2021-22 inductee into the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame. Established in 2012 and overseen by the Martin School’s
Board of Visitors, the non-partisan award recognizes local and state leaders in Kentucky, who have demonstrated extraordinary public service. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Collins made history in 1983 with her election as Kentucky’s first—and so far only—woman Governor. She previously had served as Lieutenant Governor from 1979-83 and Clerk of the Kentucky Supreme Court from 1975-79. Economic development and education were her two priorities as Governor. One highlight of her four-year term was Toyota’s December 1985 decision to locate its first wholly owned U.S. vehicle manufacturing plant in Scott County. Another was the major educational reform package that she proposed — and the General Assembly passed — in a 1985 special session of the legislature.
Mike Duncan, Former Chair Republican National Committee
Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame 2019 Inductee
Chairman of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships
Mike Duncan is the 17th chairman of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. Appointed by President Donald J. Trump in 2017, Mr. Duncan leads one of America's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.
In addition, Mr. Duncan, a 40-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics, served as the 60th chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2007-2009. As RNC Chairman, he raised an unprecedented $428 million dollars and grew the donor base to 1.8 million – more donors than at any time in RNC history.
Mr. Duncan’s service in the federal government includes working in the President George H.W. Bush White House as assistant director in the Office of Public Liaison and being nominated by President George W. Bush to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board, a position to which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2006. Mr. Duncan served as TVA board chairman from 2009-2010.
Mr. Duncan’s professional journeys have also taken him abroad. Mr. Duncan met with ambassadors and heads of state to study the effects of formation of the European Union as a representative on the President’s Commission on Executive Exchange and taught democracy to former communist leaders through the International Republican Institute. Today, Mr. Duncan is an active participant in the U.S. China High Level Political Party Leaders Dialogue, which is sponsored by the EastWest Institute.
Mr. Duncan and his wife Joanne reside in Inez, KY where he serves as Chairman and CEO of the Inez Deposit Bank. Mr. Duncan holds degrees from Cumberland College and the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Jerry Abramson, Former Mayor of Louisville KY
2018 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Jerry Abramsom served a total of 21 years as Louisville's mayor, where he earned the nickname "Mayor for Life." He left local government in 2011 to serve as Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor in Frankfort under former Gov. Steve Beshear. He left Kentucky for Washington in November, 2014 to join President Barack Obama's administration as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until January 2017.
Abramson's three consecutive terms as mayor of the City of Louisville (1986-1999) were followed by two terms as mayor of the merged Louisville Metro Government (2003-2010). During his tenure as mayor, Louisville experienced unprecedented growth and progress. Abramson also was president of the National Conference of Mayors from 1993-94. Prior to being elected mayor, Abramson was a two-term Louisville alderman. Later he served as counsel to former Gov. John Y. Brown Jr.
After leaving government, Abramson was Executive in Residence at Spalding University in Louisville. He has taught classes at the University of Louisville's College of Law and at Bellarmine University. He has been a guest lecturer at many other colleges and universities, including Harvard University, Georgetown University, Boston University, Indiana University and UK. Abramson is a graduate of Indiana University and the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. He and his wife, Madeline, have a son, Sidney, and a daughter-in-law, Kandice.
Note: Abramson's copy courtesy Mike J Ruehling.
Hal Rogers, U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 5th congressional district
2017 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
First elected in 1982 and now in his 20th term, Congressman Rogers is the longest-serving member of the Kentucky Congressional delegation. He is also the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. Congressman Rogers served as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016 where he restored regular order and a culture on the Committee for serious budget oversight and transparency in process. With more than 30 years of experience on the Appropriations Committee, he has served on eight different subcommittees, including leadership roles as Chairman or Ranking Member of three. Rogers was tapped in 2003 to lead the newly established Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
Born in rural Kentucky and representing one of the poorest Congressional Districts in the nation, Rogers’ vision for a stronger region spurred some of the greatest success stories in southern and eastern Kentucky. Organizations such asPRIDE, Operation UNITE, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED), The Center for Rural Development and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)have brought local communities together by revitalizing the environment, providing hope in the fight against drugs, building small businesses, and creating jobs by increasing tourism in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
Nationally, as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016, he reduced the size and scope of the government by reining in federal spending, conducting rigorous but thoughtful oversight of federal agencies, and restoring fiscal discipline and transparency to our budget process. Rogers led the Congress to reduce discretionary spending by a historic amount, cutting $126 billion in discretionary spending since 2010. Rogers also restored regular order and a culture on the Committee for serious budget oversight and transparency in process, including 2122 amendments considered to appropriations bills on the floor and 650 oversight hearings conducted during his tenure as Chairman.
With more than 30-years of experience on the Appropriations Committee, he has served on eight different subcommittees, including leadership roles as Chairman or Ranking Member of three. Rogers was tapped in 2003 to lead the newly established Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Through this important role, Rogers fought to ensure our first responders received the funds necessary to protect against terrorist threats; demanded tough answers from FEMA in the wake of federal responses to wildfires, hurricanes and flash floods; and insisted on enforcement of our country’s immigration laws and stronger border security.
Whether Rogers is on Capitol Hill ensuring the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars, fighting to secure the homeland, scrutinizing federal government agencies, or home in southern and eastern Kentucky working to make a difference in the lives of the individuals he represents, Rogers remains committed to being a strong voice in Congress for fiscal responsibility, economic development, a strong national defense, and a prosperous future for America.
Crit Luallen, Former Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
2016 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Trailblazer in Public Policy
Former Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen is known as one of Kentucky’s most experienced and respected public leaders, after serving with seven Governors and being elected twice to statewide office. In 2019 the Martin School acknowledged her as a Trailblazer in Public Policy
Appointed by Governor Steve Beshear as Kentucky’s 56th Lieutenant Governor, Luallen partnered with the Governor in his ongoing efforts to build a stronger Kentucky through job creation and expanded access to health care. As Lt. Governor she chaired kyhealthnow, an initiative to develop strategies and track progress toward a healthier Kentucky.
Luallen was elected the state’s Auditor of Public Accounts in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. Prior to that, she served nearly seven years as Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet, the highest appointed position in Kentucky state government. Previous appointments include State Budget Director, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Tourism, and Commissioner of the Department of the Arts. She also served as President of the Greater Louisville Economic Development Partnership, a regional economic development agency. In 2009 she was named Public Official of the Year by the Washington, D.C.-based magazine Governing for her positive impact on government in Kentucky.
Luallen is a native of Frankfort, a graduate of Centre College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees, and is married to Lynn Luallen.
Ruth Mattingly, 2011
Dr. Merl Hackbart, former Budget Director for the Commonwealth of Kentucky
2016 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Dr. Merl Hackbart is a Professor Emeritus at the Martin School and Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Public Administration. His research has focused on public financial management including debt management, public pension funds, popular financial reporting and state government structural budget issues. He has previously served as Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the Gatton College of Business and Economics at UK and as a member of the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education and the Kentucky Consensus Revenue Forecasting Group. He has also served twice as Budget Director for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor of Kentucky. He is a past President of the Association of Budgeting and Financial Management.
Albert Smith, Journalist
2015 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Al Smith is a dedicated journalist, columnist, author, editor, publisher, and television host. He started his career in Louisiana only to find his way back to Kentucky editing the Russellville News-Democrat weekly paper. He went on to become the owner and publisher of several rural newspapers, starting Al Smith Communications in 1968.
Al Smith has impacted public policy in the state of Kentucky through his role as an “engaged journalist”—using journalism as a tool to keep public officials accountable to the public, all the while remaining active in his own community. In 1974, Al became the founding host and producer of “Comment on Kentucky,” a public affairs program on Kentucky Educational Television, which he continued hosting until 2007. He took a leave from 1980-1982 when he was appointed to federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission, serving under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
Al has chaired a variety of Boards including the Kentucky Arts Commission (now Council), the Governor’s Committee on Education, Leadership Kentucky, the Shakertown Roundtable, and the Kentucky Press Association. Additionally, he helped found the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, the Kentucky Oral History Commission, Leadership Kentucky, and the Governor’s Scholars. In 2004, Al became the co-founder of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, which is based on the campus of the University of Kentucky and remains active today.
Al lives in Lexington with the love of his life, his wife, Martha Helen Smith.
Pam Miller, Former Mayor of Lexington, KY
2014 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Pam Miller has dedicated her life to serving the Bluegrass and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She served as mayor of Lexington-Fayette County from 1993-2003, the first woman to do so, and prior to that, she served on the Urban County Council from 1974-77 (the first woman elected to public office) and again from 1980-1993. Her legacy is the rural preservation program which will save a significant part of Fayette County's remarkable landscape in perpetuity.
Both before and after her tenure as Mayor, when Mrs. Miller saw a need, she wanted to address it. She started the Lexington Farmers' Market in 1973, the Children's Museum (now the Explorium) in the 1980s, Partners for Youth for inner city teenagers in 1994, and the Downtown Arts Center later in the 1990s. She has served as a member and chairperson of numerous Boards ranging from the Lexington Opera Society to the Lexington Child Abuse Council.
She was a founding member and former chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, a position that enabled her to exercise her life-long passion for helping children and families. Governor Beshear appointed her to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, a distinct honor, and she now serves as its Chairperson.
Pam and her husband, Dr. Ralph Miller, a physician and Olympic skier, moved to Lexington in 1970 with their three little children. They found this city to be extraordinarily welcoming and a wonderful university community in which to work, raise a family, and make a difference in the quality of life.
O. Leonard and Lillian Press, Founders of Kentucky Educational Television
2013 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Lillian and Len Press entered graduate school together in 1947 at Boston University. They moved to Kentucky where Len became fascinated in the power of the new technology of television to improve basic education throughout the Commonwealth. This dream and years of harvesting financial and political support would grow into KET. KET has helped unite Kentuckians with shows about the state’s arts, history, culture and public affairs . In 1961 "Lil" became a volunteer for the newly formed Central Kentucky Mental Health Association and was significant in the later development of Kentucky's' statewide mental health system of community mental health centers. Lillian Press was appointed Executive Assistant to Commissioner of Kentucky Department of Mental Health. She was recruited to organize and direct Kentucky's Governor's Scholars Program. Lil organized 28 other state Governor's Schools into the National Conference of Governor's Schools and served as its chair/president until her retirement. During her retirement, Lillian Press organized The Women's Network and served as member of the Centre College Board of Trustees for 17 years.
Wendell H Ford, Former Senator and 53rd Governor of Kentucky
2012 Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame Inductee
Ford was the 53rd governor of Kentucky, before serving 24 years in the U.S Senate between 1974 and 1999. Prior to these roles, Mr. Ford served in the Kentucky State Senate and as Lieutenant Governor. “Ford was the Hall of Fame’s inaugural inductee in 2012. Ford commented, "What you do for yourself dies with you; what you do for others lives on," Ford said. "I hope in my lifetime that I have left some marks that will be helpful." Ford concluded his remarks with some words for students. "Washington is a wonderful place," he said. "Frankfort is a wonderful place. City government is a wonderful place. But it is a wonderful place after you go through the University of Kentucky’s Martin School, where you learn how to operate in those places."
Senator Ford, a native of Daviess County, passed away on January 22, 2015 at the age of 90.