Pinson named as PSC executive director
Morehead State University alumnus Gwen R. Pinson has been named executive director of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC).
Before coming to the PSC, Pinson was the executive director of the Office of General Counsel in the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
She succeeds Talina Mathews, who in July was named to serve as a PSC commissioner by Gov. Matt Bevin.
“My fellow commissioners and I feel fortunate to have someone with Gwen’s experience and ability to direct the PSC’s day-to-day operations,” PSC Chairman Michael Schmitt said. “Her educational background in accounting and the law and her prior work in both government and the private sector have prepared her well for the responsibilities of her new position.”
“I am proud that the commissioners have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the PSC staff, which continues to live up to its reputation for professionalism and excellence despite facing both operational issues and difficult regulatory decisions,” Pinson said.
“This is a challenging time to be in state government,” she said. “But the work of the PSC touches nearly every citizen in Kentucky, so this agency must continue to function effectively and efficiently.”
A native of eastern Kentucky, Pinson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, summa cum laude, in accounting from Morehead State University. She received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where she graduated first in her class.
Pinson practiced law in the litigation departments of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Lexington, Kentucky. She also served in the Office of General Counsel in the Finance and Administration Cabinet during the administration of Gov. Ernie Fletcher.
In 2014, Pinson became Director of Operations for Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates, Inc., the state affiliate of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG). A national non-profit organization, JAG helps underserved students overcome obstacles to graduation and career success by offering a broad range of support services.
Pinson returned to state government in December 2015, once again becoming general counsel for the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Pinson is active in her community, serving on the board of directors for the Foster Care Council of LexKy and the board of the University of Kentucky College of Law Alumni Association. Pinson previously served as chair of the Internal Audit Board of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky.
