FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2004) – LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of  the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC), has been appointed by Secretary of State Colin Powell to the United States National Commission for UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Secretary Wilcher is to represent state and local government interests. The National Commission, through the State Department, advises the federal government on U.S. interests in UNESCO issues and implementation of UNESCO programs in the United States.

Secretary Wilcher was selected because of her lifetime of work on water resources, science and the environment. She was assistant water administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President George H.W. Bush.

“I am confident that Secretary Wilcher will contribute significantly to the value of the commission’s work,” Powell stated.

Secretary Wilcher said she relished the challenge. “When President Bush announced the U.S. was rejoining UNESCO in 2002, he said that America would participate fully in its mission,” said Wilcher.  “Just as it is an honor to serve the Commonwealth and Governor Ernie Fletcher, it is an honor to serve our country and this administration in fulfilling this goal.”

Governor Fletcher applauded the appointment of Wilcher to the commission.

“I am extremely proud to have someone of Secretary Wilcher’s experience and expertise serving in my cabinet, and I am certain she will be a tremendous representative of Kentucky as she lends her extensive abilities to this commission,” Governor Fletcher stated.

The National Commission, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has members from all levels of government and from private organizations with interests in education, science, culture and communications.  Further information on the commission can be found at www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/