Margaret Plattner

Part Time Instructor

Ms. Plattner joins the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor. She has extensive experience in both state and federal government. She served nine years in the U.S. Navy (active duty and reserve), achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. Ms. Plattner was an Intelligence Analyst in the antiterrorism field and activated during the first Iraq war campaign in logistics with the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command.

Ms. Plattner worked over 20 years in Kentucky state government. She was appointed twice by two governors to serve as deputy commissioner with different agencies. Ms. Plattner was responsible for the operations of five divisions under the Department of Vehicle Regulation and 820 employees with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Plattner also worked in leadership roles by developing a statewide program to curb tobacco use by minors and reshaping transportation delivery to Medicaid recipients.

Ms. Plattner’s focus and work in state government were in the areas of innovation, process improvement, and strengthening service delivery outcomes with the goal of smart government. Ms. Plattner was also a legislative liaison for two governmental agencies, testified before state legislative committees, and worked with legislators to sponsor legislation. 

In the non-profit world, Ms. Plattner worked in the area of reproductive health and served on the KY Commission on Women as a Board member. This was an appointment by a third Kentucky governor. Ms. Plattner attended the United Nations’ World NGO Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995 and wrote a University of Kentucky law review article on the subject of women and international human rights law. Most importantly, Ms. Plattner is proud of her daughter Linton who continues to be source of loving inspiration. 

Ms. Plattner has a B.A. in Political Science from Denison University, a M.A in International Affairs from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a J.D. from Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University. She also completed two executive courses from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government about regulatory affairs and the essentials of decision making. Ms. Plattner is honored to continue her life’s work in the public policy arena and support the next generation of public servants.

Courses Taught

PA 691 Leadership and Ethics in Public Service
PA 711 Experiential Learning

• American Government Studies, UK International Public Policy and Management Institute
  • PA 697 Special Topics: Financial Policy (Master of Public Financial Management – Online)