For Immediate Release
Nov. 22, 2002
Contact: Terry Sebastian (682-9405) or Channell Barbour (502) 564-2611  

Gov. Patton appoints Gordon Duke to head Finance Cabinet

FRANKFORT, KY. - Governor Paul Patton today appointed Gordon Duke as the Secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet - a position previously held by Kevin Flanery who announced his resignation Nov. 13. 

“I’m pleased of Gordon’s decision to work for us in this key role for the remainder of our administration,” Patton said. “He is a proven leader, and his background in finance and strong knowledge of the state budget will be beneficial in this demanding and important position.” 

Duke, 56, currently works as deputy commissioner of the Office of the New Economy. Gordon began his career in state government in 1968 as a budget analyst. In 1974, he was appointed assistant director of the Legislative Research Commission. He was appointed Finance Secretary in 1980 during the John Y. Brown Administration and then again in 1984 during the Martha Layne Collins Administration. He has served as the state’s budget director.  

Additionally, Duke has worked as director of the Crime Victim’s Compensation Board, director of the Department of Financial Incentives for the Economic Development Cabinet and director of the Agriculture Development Board.  

“This is truly an honor for me to be appointed to such a prestigious position in the Patton Administration,” Duke said. “My past experiences as Finance Secretary help me realize the importance and the necessary role the cabinet plays in the state’s day-to-day operations.”  

Duke, of Frankfort, has a political science degree from Georgetown College. 

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