Whethers is first African American woman to serve in the post in Jefferson County
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed Gerina D. Whethers, of Louisville, as the new Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County. The appointment makes Whethers the first African American woman to serve in this post in Jefferson County.
Most recently, Whethers served as secretary of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, having been one of Gov. Beshear’s first appointments in December 2019. Prior to that, she led two divisions in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and she has 20 years of public service including her time in the courtroom as a prosecutor in the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.
The Governor’s appointment follows the untimely passing of Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine.
“Gerina has the vast legal experience required as well as the dedication and compassion needed to best serve the people of Louisville,” Gov. Beshear said. “Having worked together for many years, from our time in the Attorney General’s Office to my current cabinet, I have seen firsthand how talented Gerina is, and I am proud to appoint her Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County.”
“I am humbled and grateful to Gov. Beshear for this opportunity to lead one of the most important roles for our citizens. I look forward to my professional career coming full circle and returning home to my city,” Whethers said. “Prosecutors have a unique way of protecting our citizens while reflecting our community values. Building crucial relationships while maintaining those values is what I bring to our resilient city. From victim services, especially for our seniors and youth, to mental health services – our families, our younger generation, our community and our law enforcement deserve loyalty and commitment to cohesive change, and I look forward to being part of that change.”
President of NAACP Louisville Branch and NAACP National Member Raoul Cunningham expressed support for Whethers.
“The Governor has made a wise and solid decision,” said Cunningham. “Secretary Whethers has the capacity, understanding and willingness to bring tremendous assets to the city having lived in the county, being a prosecutor and as personnel’s cabinet secretary. This opportunity gives her a wide perspective about not only the law, but about the City of Jefferson County.”
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell also welcomed Whethers to the post.
“Gerina was an exceptional lawyer and leader in my office before continuing to excel in her service to our commonwealth,” said O’Connell. “Gerina is a caring partner Jefferson County can be proud of in the work to make Louisville safer.”
During her tenure as secretary at the Personnel Cabinet, Whethers worked tirelessly to improve the health and safety of state employees.
Whethers also has an extensive legal background, where she has always focused on protecting Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens.
Previously, Whethers worked in the OAG, where she served as executive director of the newly created Office of Senior Protection and Mediation. There she worked to create partnerships with state and federal agencies to better protect seniors from scams and abuse. Whethers also worked as executive director of the OAG’s Office of Victims Services, providing support and services to victims of violent crime.
Before joining the OAG, Whethers served as Assistant Jefferson County Attorney in various roles, including in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit, and as a staff attorney in Circuit Court in Jefferson County.
Whethers holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Louisville with a minor in pan-African studies. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law.
Whethers is actively involved in many community organizations and boards, including serving as an executive board member of the Louisville Chapter of the NAACP.
She is a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church where she has taught Sunday School for over 17 years.
The effective date of the appointment is Friday, May 19, 2023.
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