Dr. William H. Turner, of Lexington, is the former vice president for university engagement and associate provost for multicultural affairs at the University of Kentucky. Turner received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UK and a master’s degree in sociology and doctorate in sociology and anthropology from the University of Notre Dame. Turner previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UK and interim president of Kentucky State University. He is a member of the Trotter Group, a Harvard University based network of black journalists, and is married to Vivian Turner. He represents the state at large on the commission, and his term expires Sept. 12, 2008.
Henry L. Blythe, of Mayfield, is the U.S. Postmaster for Boaz, in Graves County. Blythe is a graduate of Dunbar High School in Mayfield and a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant. He is a member of the Mayfield Human Rights Council and represents the state at large on the commission. His term expires Sept. 12, 2008.
Ambassador George McDade Staples, of Pineville, is retired. He is the former director general of the Foreign Service and director of human resources for the U.S. Department of State. From 1998 to 2001 he served as U.S. ambassador to Rwanda, followed by four years of service as U.S. ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. He has held a number of assignments in the State Department, most recently serving as political advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO in Belgium.
Staples replaces Bonita Black, who was appointed to the Commission Sept. 10 but was unable to serve due to a professional conflict of interest.
Prior to his work for the Department of State, Staples served as a military officer in the U.S. Air Force and as a manager in private industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in business from Central Michigan University. He has served as a member of various civic, political and business organizations. He is married to Jo Ann Fuson Staples and represents the state at large on the commission. His term expires Sept. 12, 2010.
Robert S. Peters, of Lexington, is retired. Peters worked for nearly 30 years for Ashland Inc., serving the company in a variety of roles. From 1995 to 1998 he served as secretary of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet and later served as executive director of the Governmental Services Center and special assistant to Gov. Paul Patton. He has served as a member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass board and on the steering committee of the YMCA Black Achievers program. He represents the state at large on the commission. His term expires Sept. 12, 2009.
Alma L. Randolph, of Owensboro, is a human resource and community relations specialist for the city of Owensboro. She is also the city’s EEO officer. Randolph, who is also a gospel singer, is the founder of the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation, which provides clothing for disadvantaged children. She is past president of Leadership Owensboro and a member of the United Way board and the Owensboro Rotary Club. In 1981, Randolph was elected to the Beaver Dam City Council, becoming the first black in Ohio County to be elected to public office. She is a graduate of Ohio County High School and attended Brescia University. She represents the 2nd Supreme Court District on the commission. Her term expires Sept. 12, 2009.
Duane Bonifer, of Greensburg, is director of public relations for Lindsay Wilson College. Bonifer holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a double major in political science from the University of Kentucky. He is married to Kelli Bonifer and represents the 3rd Supreme Court District on the commission. His term expires Sept. 12, 2009.
Henry J. Curtis, of Frankfort, was reappointed as the commission’s 5th Supreme Court District representative and designated as the group’s chair. Curtis is the deputy executive director of the Kentucky Office of Insurance. He received his master’s degree in political science and his master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and his juris doctorate from the University of Louisville. He is a member of the New Horizon Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church of Louisville, the JCTC Foundation Board, Yearlings Club Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, NAACP and the Frankfort Rotary Club. He is married to Gloria Curtis. His term expires Sep. 12, 2010.
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is made up of 11 members, all appointed by the Governor. The Commission encourages fair treatment for all people regardless of race or national ancestry.
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