Department of Corrections
Appel Receives Certification

Frankfort, KY – Stephanie Appel, Assistant Personnel Director for the Department of Corrections, has achieved the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional designation.  According to the Public Human Resources Certification Council (PHRCC), Appel has demonstrated her commitment to the field by undergoing a review of her technical experience that also showed her understanding of the role of a human resources professional.

In the state of Kentucky, there are six individuals that have earned this particular certification. Appel is currently the only employee with Kentucky State Government that holds the title.

Appel began her career in 1995 in the Finance and Administration Cabinet where she worked until coming to the Department of Corrections’ Division of Personnel Services in June 2000. She has held such positions as Personnel Management Specialist III, Personnel Administrator and Personnel Branch Manager and her present position of Assistant Director.

A native of Shelbyville and a graduate of Shelby County High School, Appel  attended Midway College and the University of Kentucky where she received her bachelor’s in business administration.

She and her husband, Dr. James E. Appel, a Dermatologist in Lexington, currently live in Lexington.  She is the daughter of Ronnie and Joanna Freels, who currently reside in Shelbyville.

Appel is the immediate past-president of the Kentucky Chapter of International Personnel Managers Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) and she has been on their executive board for the past five years. She is also a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), a member of the International Chapter of IPMA-HR, member of KCCD, member of SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) and member of Lexington-Fayette County Medical Society Auxiliary.