Secretary of State
Grayson Reappoints Former Secretary Ken Harper to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance

(Frankfort, KY) Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced today that he has reappointed former Secretary of State Ken Harper to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance.  Harper, a resident of Crestview Hills in Northern Kentucky, will be serving his second term on the Registry.

“I am delighted that Secretary Harper will continue his service in this important role,” stated Secretary Grayson.  “Through his past service as Secretary of State, he gained knowledge about Kentucky elections that has been invaluable to the Registry during his previous term.  Kentuckians will only benefit from this experience as he continues to serve the Commonwealth in this important role.”

Harper, who attended the University of Kentucky and later served in the United States Air Force, has dedicated much of his life to public service.  He served in the legislature for over 16 years, including a number of years in leadership roles, as well as service on the House Elections and Constitutional Amendments committee.  In 1971, he was tapped by the late Governor Louie Nunn to serve as Secretary of State after the death of Secretary Elmer Begley.

“I am honored that Secretary Grayson has asked that I remain on the Registry for another term,” commented Secretary Harper after his re-appointment. “The work of the Registry is very important in Kentucky’s elections. I am committed to ensuring that the financing of campaigns in Kentucky is disclosed in a timely and accurate fashion so that the public has access to meaningful disclosure.”

In recent years, Harper served actively in the Northern Kentucky Community.  Most notably, he led the Northern Kentucky University Foundation as its chairman from 1997-2002, a time when the Foundation and University began to see unprecedented growth. 

Harper is currently a licensed real estate broker in Northern Kentucky.  He is a member of the Northern Kentucky, Kentucky, and National Association of Realtors. 

“The dedication that Ken has shown to the Commonwealth and to our Northern Kentucky community are a testament to the integrity, commitment, and expertise that he will bring to the Registry,” Grayson commented.

 The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is an independent seven-member board appointed to serve as the regulatory body for the administration, regulation, and enforcement of Kentucky's campaign finance laws.  The agency receives, compiles, and maintains Financial Disclosure Reports of elected officials and candidates for specified offices. 

A total of seven members are appointed to the Registry by the Governor, the Auditor of Public Accounts, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State. The board members serve four year terms, and their appointments are staggered.

Harper and his wife, Eileen, have five children and seven grandchildren.  Harper’s term expires August 15, 2013.