FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2004) - Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed Franklin J. Reed, a mine safety veteran, as the director of the Division of Safety Analysis, Training and Certification.  The division is part of the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, which is within the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC).

Reed previously served as director of the Mine Safety Analysis Division in the former Public Protection and Regulation Cabinet.  A reorganization of the former Department of Mines and Minerals combined the Division of Training and the Division of Safety Analysis.

As division director, Reed supervised a team of mine safety analysts, monitored mining safety programs, revised job safety manuals and updated the certification exams for mine foremen and inspectors.

"We are very pleased to have Franklin Reed working in this administration," stated LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of EPPC.  "His extensive record as a mining safety manager and advocate is an asset to the cabinet."

“I would like to thank Governor Fletcher for this opportunity,” said Reed.  “I look forward to working with Secretary Wilcher and other members of the cabinet as we promote suitable training and certification practices.”

Reed began his career with Kentucky state government in 1989 as a mine safety analyst.  In 1996, Reed worked as a state mine inspector in Hazard.  He became director of the Mine Safety Analysis Division in 1997 and held the position until the end of 2003.  Reed lives in Lexington.