FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission has named Kent Chandler as its executive director. Chandler, who has been serving the PSC as an advisor, succeeds Gwen R. Pinson, who has held the post since October 2017.
Before coming to the PSC, Chandler advocated for Kentucky ratepayers as an attorney in the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Rate Intervention.
“My fellow commissioners and I have seen Kent appear before the PSC on many occasions and have been impressed with his passion for doing what is best for the commonwealth,” PSC Chairman Michael Schmitt said. “Since joining the PSC staff last year, Kent has distinguished himself while working on some of the most complex issues facing the PSC. We are certain he will be a very effective leader of the PSC staff.”
“I’ve seen firsthand why the PSC staff has a hard earned and well-deserved reputation for being one of the most capable and professional groups in the commonwealth,” Chandler said. “It is an honor to be asked to lead them in doing work that affects the life of nearly every Kentuckian.
“The PSC tackles complex and difficult issues on a daily basis while balancing the interests of ratepayers and utilities,” he said. “I hope to build on the excellent work done by the PSC staff and to make this agency even more efficient and effective.”
A native of Providence, Ky., Chandler earned a bachelor of science in finance from Murray State University. He received a juris doctor from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
While serving in Attorney General’s office, Chandler appeared before state, federal and local boards and courts. During that time, he regularly represented consumers in proceedings at the PSC, dealing with rates and other issues related to electric, gas, water and sewer utilities.
Chandler also served on the executive committee of the Consumer Advocates of the PJM States, which includes officials from jurisdictions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
In his work as an advisor to the commissioners, Chandler was the PSC’s liaison to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), focusing primarily on federal issues surrounding the wholesale gas and electricity markets, including FERC-regulated regional electric transmission operators and electric markets. In that role, he followed relevant legislative and regulatory changes and regularly participated in regional transmission organization stakeholder processes.
Chandler is an avid sports fan, particularly of the Kentucky Wildcats and Murray State Racers. He and his wife Kimberly live in Georgetown.
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