Frankfort, Ky. – Governor-Elect Matt Bevin has appointed Don Parkinson of Louisville as Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary. Parkinson is a longtime KFC/Yum executive with extensive experience in marketing, food service and the arts.
“I am pleased to have someone with Don’s extensive industry knowledge joining the administration as Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary,” Governor-Elect Bevin said. “Tourism and travel is Kentucky’s third largest revenue producing industry, generating $13 billion in economic activity. I’m highly confident in Don’s ability to lead this important effort.”
Parkinson is a retired Senior Vice President of KFC and YUM Brands, where he provided leadership to the KFC franchise system. Prior to joining KFC in 1980, Parkinson served as Advertising Manager of Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors.
He has also served twice as the Interim President of the Kentucky Center for the Arts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University and Master of Science degree from Stanford University.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Bevin administration, and I look forward to working with the Governor-Elect as we tell the world what the Commonwealth has to offer,” Parkinson said.
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