[TheRealVille]

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is Kentucky's 76th Secretary of State and only current female Constitutional Officer.

Secretary Grimes has a lifelong commitment to public service and, in particular, protecting the right to vote. She grew up canvassing Kentucky's precincts and counties to make sure all citizens had the right to vote on Election Day. Additionally, she has served as a precinct officer for the 75th Legislative District and a member of the 2008 DNC Rules Committee.

Secretary Grimes previously worked for the National Kidney Foundation, focusing on local and federal healthcare initiatives, such as the Organ and Bone Marrow Donor Leave Act. As a business attorney, Secretary Grimes has assisted companies in creating jobs in the Commonwealth. In 2010, the Fayette County Bar Association recognized Secretary Grimes as its Outstanding Young Lawyer for her demonstrated skill as an attorney and service to the court, her clients and the community.

Secretary Grimes’ professional involvement includes serving for two years as President of the Fayette County Bar Association’s Women Lawyers’ Association. Additionally, she volunteers her time and energy to such organizations as the Salvation Army, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital and God’s Pantry Food Bank, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

In 2011, Secretary Grimes left her successful law practice to dedicate herself full time to serving the citizens of Kentucky. She visited every area of the Commonwealth, speaking with citizens in every facet of our state, including county clerks, business owners, educators, veterans and victims of domestic violence, learning about the issues that confront Kentuckians and listening to their ideas to improve our great Commonwealth. These conversations confirmed that Kentuckians share Secretary Grimes’ commitment to creating jobs, encouraging business growth, promoting civics education and increasing participation in elections. With Secretary Grimes’ tireless devotion to these common ideals and demonstrated professional skills, the Secretary of State’s office is ready to implement fresh ideas and sound solutions to help make a reality the citizens’ vision for Kentucky.

Secretary Grimes is a native of Maysville, Kentucky. She received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as a trustee to the Board of Directors. Secretary Grimes obtained her law degree, graduating with honors, from American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Grimes currently lives with her husband, Andrew, in downtown Lexington.

http://www.sos.ky.gov/secdesk/Pages/Biography.aspx