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Secretary of State-Elect Adams announces senior staff

Courier-Journal

Michael G. Adams, who will be sworn in January 6 as Kentucky’s Secretary of State, today announced his appointments of senior staff.

“There’s never been a stronger set of five starters put on the floor,” Secretary-elect Adams said. “I’ve said my office will offer ‘quiet competence.’ I’ve found that, and much more.”

Assistant Secretary of State & General Counsel--Jennifer Scutchfield

Adams will appoint Jennifer Scutchfield as Assistant Secretary of State, the Office’s second-highest position.

“Kentucky law provides that the Assistant Secretary of State perform the Office’s functions ‘in the absence or disability of the Secretary of State,’ Adams said. “In Jenni I chose the Kentuckian best-qualified to serve in this position upon my absence or disability. She will be a valuable partner in executing the duties of this Office – in particular, overseeing our elections.”

Scutchfield, of Fayette County, most recently served as Assistant Director and General Counsel for the Kentucky State Board of Elections. She previously was the 7th District Council Member in Lexington and was in private law practice. Scutchfield has worked for non-profits and educational institutions, and has served as an Assistant County Attorney.

Senior Advisor--David Harris

“Naming David Harris as my closest advisor was a given, after he has served me so ably for two years,” Adams remarked.

Harris, who managed Adams’ campaign and directed Adams’ transition team, has more than a dozen years of public affairs experience. Harris grew up in Oldham County and has backgrounds in the fields of lobbying, non-profit, state government, and campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. Harris also serves on the board of Dreams with Wings in Louisville.

Director of Communications--Miranda Combs

“Miranda knows the people and the issues in this state. She also knows the journalists. Most important, she’s a truth-teller. I’m excited for the credibility and creativity she brings to this role,” said Adams.

Combs is a familiar face to Central and Eastern Kentucky, most recently working for WKYT-TV as the market’s only investigative reporter. She brings almost two decades of media experience to the Secretary of State’s Office. Combs’ investigations have stretched across the state, winning a regional Emmy award and Edward R. Murrow award in 2018. She was named reporter of the year by the Kentucky Associated Press in 2016. Combs also worked for a boutique public relations firm in Lexington for four years.

Director of Administration and Elections--Heather Quinn

“I’ve known Heather Quinn for 16 years, and in that time she’s quickly mastered each job she has had,” said Adams. “Heather’s administrative experience, particularly in state government, her knowledge of the election process, and her relationships with our county clerks make her the obvious choice for this position.”

Quinn, of Jessamine County, served on leadership staff both in the office of the Senate President, and Senate Republican Leadership. She was the office manager for Governor Ernie Fletcher. She’s leaving her position of Deputy Clerk in the Election Department in the office of the Jessamine County Clerk. Quinn was Clerk of the Jessamine County Fiscal Court, as well.

“We all thank Mary Sue Helm for her long and distinguished service in this role, and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement,” Adams added.

Director of Business & Deputy General Counsel--Michael Rollin Wilson

“Michael Wilson brings sophisticated, high-level state government legal experience to this critical role, as well as significant knowledge of the business-law matters this position handles,” said Adams. “Not only will Michael excel at managing the Office’s obligations to Kentucky businesses, he also will serve the Office well as one of its in-house attorneys.”

Wilson is a practicing attorney from Jefferson County with fifteen years of experience in commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and insurance law. Wilson has successfully argued cases before the Kentucky Supreme Court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Most recently, Wilson served as General Counsel for the Kentucky Department of Insurance.

By law, this office is “responsible for all functions of the department relating to business filings, including business entity filings and filings under the Uniform Commercial Code,” as well as promulgation of necessary regulations.

As permitted by law, the Office may add, and fill, other non-merit staff positions at a later date.

(provided by Kentucky Secretary of State)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."