Tagged: Ben Chandler

Former Congressman Ben Chandler will be the new executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council. 

The non-profit group is not affiliated with the state, but works closely with state tourism and arts organizations. It is affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

"Well when I found out that [current director] Virginia Carter was retiring I actually sought out the position because it was a wonderful, unique opportunity for me to do the thing that I love, which is to promote my state, promote the culture, the tradition, the history, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky," he says.

Chandler will officially start July 1, as the current executive director transitions to retirement. Chandler says he sought out the new post because of his love for the state and its humanities. The new job will be full-time, and Chandler says he will be involved in the day to day operations of the council.

Republican Andy Barr will be sworn in as the newest member of Congress from Kentucky Thursday afternoon in Washington. Barr, a Lexington attorney, won election in November over Democrat incumbent Ben Chandler in a contentious race to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional district.

Barr will serve on the House Committee on Financial Services, which he says he considers a top tier assignment. He said he'll be able to use the committee assignment to work on solving Kentucky's job crisis by pushing to lift regulations that are preventing community banks from making needed loans to individuals and small businesses.