Home » Ex-Kansas Dept. of Labor secretary appointed Workforce Investment commissioner

Ex-Kansas Dept. of Labor secretary appointed Workforce Investment commissioner

Lana Gordon

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Former Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Lana Gordon has been appointed as the new commissioner of the Department of Workforce Investment within the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet effective May 16.

Under the leadership of EWDC Secretary Derrick Ramsey, Gordon will lead the Department of Workforce Investment, which coordinates the state’s workforce, employment and training efforts on behalf of the Offices of Unemployment Insurance, Career Development, Adult Education, Employer and Apprenticeship Services and Vocational Rehabilitation.

“Commissioner Gordon brings an impressive amount of experience and poise that will be essential in continuing our efforts of enhancing Kentucky’s workforce system,” said Ramsey. “The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet is fortunate to have such an experienced leader and champion for public service in Commissioner Gordon as we look for innovative ways to provide more employment opportunities for Kentuckians.”

In 2000, Gordon was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives 52nd District, and re-elected five times serving the district for a total of 12 years. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, she served as chair of Economic Development and Tourism Committee, chair of Education Budget, member of Appropriations, Taxation, Education, and Health and Human Services. She also chaired the Joint Committee on Arts and Cultural Resources, and the Joint Committee on Labor and Economic Development.

After 12 years in the Kansas legislature, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback appointed Gordon interim secretary of Labor on Sept. 21, 2012. Following Senate confirmation, Gordon was appointed as the permanent Secretary of Labor, a position she held until January 2019.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to join the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and play such a critical role in the cabinet’s efforts of creating a stronger workforce for Kentucky,” said Gordon. “I look forward to utilizing my experience to enhance the state’s current and future workforce by providing employment, training, education and apprenticeship opportunities for all Kentuckians.”

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