KY Governor
Steve Beshear (D)- Governor-elect Steven L. Beshear has committed his life, both personally and professionally, to the development and betterment of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As a State Representative, it was his legislation and attention to detail that resulted in the modernization and more than doubling of neo-natal capacities at the University of Kentucky Hospital. This happened when demand far exceeded availability from such an essential unit. Steve Beshear's achievement became a blessing especially to the high number of seriously ill infants from Eastern Kentucky.
Another example was his intense involvement in the referendum reforming the Kentucky Judicial System, which received wide spread voter approval as citizens endorsed the more modern legal structure he helped create.
As Attorney General, Steve saved countless taxpayer dollars by successfully cracking down on statewide food stamp fraud. He also gave citizens the opportunity to file consumer protection complaints in their respective communities rather than being burdened with old policies and bureaucratic delays.
As Lt. Governor, he created and headed the Kentucky Tomorrow Commission. This initiative not only identified daunting challenges then facing the state, but issues which eventually surfaced years later.
Following government service, as a respected attorney plus senior executive of a multi-state law firm, and also in banking, a good portion of his workload involved counseling large and small business enterprises - the backbone of job development. Steve's counsel helped guide many clients into successful ventures.
A native of Dawson Springs in Hopkins County, he was one of five children of a Baptist minister and a mother who was dedicated to her community. They instilled values of integrity, strong religious faith, hard work and respect for others - values obvious throughout Steve's career.
Following Dawson Springs High School, Steve graduated from UK and its College of Law - both with highest honors. He was elected Student Body President during his third undergraduate year, an early indication of not only leadership credentials but his interest in public service. Later, Steve became a Spec 4 enlisted man in the Army Reserve as an intelligence analyst and carried out certain Judge Advocate General duties.
While at UK he met his future wife Jane, who grew up in Bowling Green and Lexington. They have two sons and a grandson. Jeff is a veterinarian and small business owner. He, his wife Emily and their son Nicholas live in Virginia. Andy, an attorney, resides in Louisville with his wife Britainy.
Steve's various civic activities include such organizations as CommerceLexington, Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, God's Pantry Food Bank, Bluegrass Tomorrow, the Kentucky World Trade Center, and the UK College of Law Visiting Committee.
