Les Fugate, Director of Communications

Office of the Secretary of State

(502) 564-3490

Secretary of State Trey Grayson was recently honored at the Republican National Convention as a “Rising Star” in the Republican Party by United Leaders, a nonpartisan, nonprofit action tank based at Harvard University Institute of Politics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“I am honored by the recognition that United Leaders has given me,” stated Secretary Grayson.  “It is important for young people to realize that they can make a difference in their communities and in state and federal government at any age.  This award just highlights the impact that young people are making all across our Country.”

Secretary Grayson, at 32 years old, is the youngest Secretary of State in the country and was only 31 when he assumed office.  He has been recognized by the Kentucky Press Association and the Shakertown Roundtable as one of 41 “Kentucky Leaders for a New Century.”  In June, he was one of 40 state leaders from across the country selected to participate in the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments.

Other honorees included Bobby Jindal, former candidate for Louisiana Governor and current candidate for United States Congress, Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL) and Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA).

“As more and more young people turn away from the political system as a means to change the world, it is important to find and exhibit the beacons of hope and shining examples of success,” Jack Schnirman, Campaign Director for United Leaders, stated in a letter to Grayson.  “We need idealistic, courageous, and dynamic leaders like [Secretary Grayson] to inspire a new generation to political service.”

United Leaders mission is to recruit and train a generation of idealistic political leaders.  More information about United Leaders can be found at www.unitedleaders.org.