Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Executive director of mine safety agency resigns

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2006) - Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary LaJuana S. Wilcher today announced the resignation of Paris Charles as executive director of the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL), effective Jan. 27.

"Paris Charles has truly been an asset to this administration, bringing vast knowledge acquired through 28 years in the mining industry and a sincere personal commitment to mine safety," Wilcher said.

The resignation is due to personal matters, which require him to spend more time at home with family in Pikeville, Charles said. "I have enjoyed my time here. I think that we have been able to accomplish many good things to enhance miner safety, such as a study of the ‘retreat’ mining method and pending legislation on substance abuse in the mines," Charles said. "I firmly believe in Governor Ernie Fletcher’s commitment to improving mine safety."

Charles has served as executive director of OMSL since July 2004. He served on the Kentucky State Mining Board from 2001 until his appointment at OMSL.

Johnny Greene, accident investigator and mine rescue coordinator for OMSL, has been named interim executive director. He has been with the agency since 1990.