Blanton Named Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Parks

            Frankfort, KY:   Governor Ernie Fletcher today announced the appointment of Jerry Blanton as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Parks.  Blanton is the highest-ranking African American appointed in the department's history.

            Jerry Blanton is a former University of Kentucky football player who proceeded to the NFL to play eight years with the Kansas City Chiefs.

            After hanging up the cleats in 1986, Blanton served as a criminal investigator with the Kansas City Prosecuting Attorney's Office.  He was owner and operator J & T Cleaning Concept in Kansas City.

             "Jerry is going to be a great asset to the Department of Parks," Secretary Jim Host said. "He has a wide variety of professional experiences that will be invaluable as move toward our goal of making the Parks Department financially self-sufficient."

             Secretary Host added that Blanton's appointment, coupled with Governor Fletcher's hiring of Derrick Ramsey as deputy secretary of the Commerce Cabinet, is an indication of the administration's strong commitment to minority employment.

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