COMMISSIONERS -- MAYOR JIM NEWBERRY -- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

The Commissioners

Cheryl A. Taylor
Environmental Quality Commissioner
Cheryl A. Taylor, the city’s first Environmental Quality Commissioner, had served as the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, supervising six environmental divisions: air, water, waste, enforcement, compliance assistance and laboratory. She regulated all environmental systems in the Commonwealth. As an engineering manager for The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Co., Taylor was responsible for environmental, health and safety programs, as well as management of capital projects, utilities and facilities maintenance. Taylor holds bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and social work from the University of Kentucky.

Kyna Koch
Commissioner of Finance
Ms. Koch has served as the associate commissioner of office district support services for the Kentucky Department of Education since 2001. Previously, she was the Division of School Finance director for the Department of Education, budget analyst for the Legislative Research Commission, director of finance for the Office of Education Accountability, and budget officer for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Department of Finance website

Kimra Cole
Commissioner of General Services
Ms. Cole is director of development for the Cole Group, a family-owned and operated business. She previously served as director of sales, marketing, engineering and operations services for Columbia Gas of Kentucky. She is a native of Richmond, Ky., with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering and a masters of business administration from the University of Kentucky. Division of General Services website

Logan Askew
Commissioner of Law
Mr. Askew has practiced law for over 25 years, specializing in municipal law. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in government from Centre College. He served as council member for the Hopkinsville City Council from 1987-1992. He served as Hopkinsville City Attorney from 1992-1998. He will be relocating to Lexington from Hopkinsville. Department of Law website

Don Kelly, P.E.
Commissioner of Public Works
Mr. Kelly has a bachelor and master’s degree in civil engineering from UK. His professional career has included serving as secretary of transportation for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1991 to 1995, associate professor engineering technology at Murray State University, various management positions within the Kentucky Department of Highways, including serving as assistant director for the Division of Urban and Regional Planning. Department of Public Works website

Marlene Helm, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Social Services
Dr. Helm has had an extensive career with both the Fayette County Public Schools, and the state Education, Arts, and Humanities Cabinet. Her career included serving as secretary of the cabinet from 1999 to 2003. She has also served as interim dean for EKU’s College of Education, interim superintendent for the Fayette County Schools, assistant to the superintendent, director of Early Start, director of state and federal programs, personnel supervisor, and teacher for the Fayette County Schools. Department of Social Services website

Tim Bennett
Public Safety Commissioner
Tim Bennett joined Lexington Fayette Urban County Government in 1993 after working in state government for over 18 years. Bennett joined the Miller Administration as Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Bennett served as Executive Assistant for 3 ½ years and Commissioner of Public Safety for 7 ½ years. He also served as project manager during the planning, design, and construction of the new Fayette County Courthouse and the new Fayette County Detention Center. Bennett retired in 2001. Department of Public Safety website