Former Congressman Ben Chandler will be the new executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council. The non-profit group is not affiliated with the state, but works closely with state tourism and arts organizations. It is affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities."Well when I found out that [current director] Virginia Carter was retiring I actually sought out the position because it was a wonderful, unique opportunity for me to do the thing that I love, which is to promote my state, promote the culture, the tradition, the history, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky," he says. Chandler will officially start July 1, as the current executive director transitions to retirement. Chandler says he sought out the new post because of his love for the state and its humanities. The new job will be full-time, and Chandler says he will be involved in the day to day operations of the council.Chandler previously spent 21 years in politics, the last nine as Kentucky's Sixth District Congressman. And he says a return to politics is not out of the question."I never say never about anything, but I can tell you I'm focused on this opportunity, I'm excited about the mission of the Kentucky Humanities Council," he says. "And it has the added benefit for me, of allowing me to be able to travel to all 120 counties of this state, to see more and more Kentuckians as I go and to spread the message of what a special place Kentucky is and what special people live in this state."Chandler is rumored to be a possible candidate in the governor's race in 2015.
