Transportation Cabinet
GOVERNOR ERNIE FLETCHER AND SECRETARY BILL NIGHBERT APPOINT NEW DEPUTY SECRETARY IN TRANSPORTATION CABINET

FRANKFORT, KY (September 21, 2006) Governor Ernie Fletcher and Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert announced the appointment of Crystal Murray Ducker as Deputy Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet. The appointment is effective immediately.

"Crystal is one of the brightest, most organized, talented and efficient people I’ve ever met,” said Secretary Nighbert. “Her strong values and work ethic are tremendous traits. She leads by example. She will do an excellent job.”

Ducker served as Executive Assistant to Governor Fletcher for nearly two years before joining the Transportation Cabinet last September as the Executive Director of the Transportation Enhancement or TE program. The TE program provides funding for a variety of non-traditional transportation projects like the restoration of historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian pathways and scenic beautification projects. Ducker is credited with making great progress in revamping the federally funded reimbursement program and finding numerous savings and efficiencies.

Ducker also helped launch Kentucky’s “Safe Routes to School Program.” Safe Routes is designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safer, more appealing and healthier alternative for students in K-8th grade. Because of her dedication to implementing the program, Kentucky is one of only a handful of states utilizing Safe Routes to School funding to make safety improvements in and around school campuses.

In August of this year, Secretary Nighbert appointed Ducker as his Chief of Staff. During her time as Chief of Staff she continued to find efficiencies within the Cabinet and identify projects that will help move Kentucky forward.

"I am honored to accept this position as Deputy Secretary,” stated Ducker. “I look forward to serving our Commonwealth, Secretary Nighbert and Governor Fletcher in this capacity. Improving our transportation infrastructure is an essential component in building strong communities across Kentucky."

Crystal Ducker graduated from the University of Kentucky. She was born and raised in Campbellsville, KY. She and her husband Scott reside in Lexington, KY.

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