LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Wednesday appointed Louisville native Gerina Whethers as the new Commonwealth's Attorney for Jefferson County.

Beshear shared the news in a press release. The appointment makes Whethers the first African American woman to serve in this post in Jefferson County.

Whethers' 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,” 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.”

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, and she has 20 years of public service including her time in the courtroom as a prosecutor in the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.

Whethers expressed gratitude and excitement to return to her home city to serve the community.

“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," Whethers said in a statement. "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.”

Raoul Cunningham, president of NAACP Louisville Branch, expressed deep 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."

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.”