Inauguration chair, co-chairs and honorary co-chairs announced
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear announced Kentucky health care workers and public school educators will serve as Grand Marshals of the Inauguration Parade, which will take place Dec. 12 in Frankfort. The Beshears also named the inauguration chair, co-chairs and honorary co-chairs.
The parade commences at 11 a.m. EST Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Capital Avenue at the end of the Main Street bridge and will conclude at 1 p.m. EST in front of the Capitol. The parade will be livestreamed on KET.
“We are excited to continue moving Forward, Together for every Kentucky family,” the Beshears said. “Grand Marshals for the Inaugural Parade represent the health care workers who guided Kentuckians through the global pandemic, disasters and other events, and educators from across the commonwealth, who continue to lead Kentucky’s children into the future.”
The 2023 Inaugural Parade tells the story of Gov. Beshear’s first term in office; governing through a time of unprecedented adversity, capitalizing on game-changing economic opportunities and moving Kentuckians forward, together. The parade features individuals, communities, companies and groups who played a major role in the story of the last four years, looking back at the struggles and successes, before giving way to the young people who will bring Kentucky into the bright future ahead.
“Health care workers deserve the appreciation of every Kentuckian,” said Valerie Briones-Pryor, M.D., chief medical officer for UofL Health – Shelbyville Hospital. “I’m grateful they are being honored in this way.”
“The future of education in Kentucky looks promising,” said David Wright, William Wells Brown Elementary 5th-grade teacher and Fayette County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year 2022. “Gov. Beshear continues to show a commitment to education that will benefit our students, teachers and families. The Governor’s ‘Education First’ plan is one example of his passion to make Kentucky a leader in education. Having a Governor who is dedicated to prioritizing education has created a hope and an excitement that is felt across the commonwealth. I am excited to see the progress that Kentucky education will make over the next four years.”
The Governor also named chairs of the inauguration that will help lead efforts to unify Kentuckians from every corner of the state.
Gov. Beshear named Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray of Lexington as chair of his inauguration.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about Gov. Beshear’s second term, and I’m honored to be a part of the inauguration, along with a great support team,” said Secretary Gray. “The inaugural theme – Forward, Together – was chosen by the Governor and the First Lady as a genuine and heartfelt commitment to the Team Kentucky philosophy that we prosper when we pull together and move forward.”
The Governor also named Mitchel Denham of Louisville and Nicole Yates of Louisville as co-chairs.
The honorary co-chairs include Rocky and Leah Adkins of Sandy Hook; J. Michael and Joan Brown of Louisville; the late Tommy Elliott and Maryanne Elliott of Louisville; John and Heather McConnell of Murray; and Jonathan and Kelly Rabinowitz of Versailles.
Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear issued the official event schedule ahead of the 62nd gubernatorial inauguration.
Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will be sworn into office during a full day of festivities, Tuesday, Dec. 12. For updates and additional information, visit kentucky.gov/inauguration.
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