Commissioners

Cheryl A. Taylor
Commissioner of Environmental Quality

Cheryl A. Taylor, the city’s first Environmental Quality Commissioner, had served as the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, supervising six environmental divisions: air, water, waste, enforcement, compliance assistance and laboratory. She regulated all environmental systems in the Commonwealth. As an engineering manager for The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Co., Taylor was responsible for environmental, health and safety programs, as well as management of capital projects, utilities and facilities maintenance. Taylor holds bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and social work from the University of Kentucky. Department of Environmental Quality website

Bill O'Mara

Acting Commissioner of Finance & Administration

Kimra Cole
Commissioner of General Services

Ms. Cole is director of development for the Cole Group, a family-owned and operated business. She previously served as director of sales, marketing, engineering and operations services for Columbia Gas of Kentucky. She is a native of Richmond, Ky., with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering and a masters of business administration from the University of Kentucky. Division of General Services website

Logan Askew
Commissioner of Law

Mr. Askew has practiced law for over 25 years, specializing in municipal law. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in government from Centre College. He served as council member for the Hopkinsville City Council from 1987-1992. He served as Hopkinsville City Attorney from 1992-1998. Department of Law website

Mike Webb
Commissioner of Public Works and Development

Mike Webb has worked for the city for approximately one year as an administrative officer in General Services. During his tenure he has focused on downtown planning. Webb is a former Operations Manager with Columbia Gas. He and his wife, Pam, live in Lexington. He is a graduate of Lexington Catholic High School, and Transylvania University, where he earned a BA in Biology. Department of Public Works and Development website

Marlene Helm, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Social Services

Dr. Helm has had an extensive career with both the Fayette County Public Schools, and the state Education, Arts, and Humanities Cabinet. Her career included serving as secretary of the cabinet from 1999 to 2003. She has also served as interim dean for EKU’s College of Education, interim superintendent for the Fayette County Schools, assistant to the superintendent, director of Early Start, director of state and federal programs, personnel supervisor, and teacher for the Fayette County Schools. Department of Social Services website

Tim Bennett
Commissioner of Public Safety

Tim Bennett joined Lexington Fayette Urban County Government in 1993 after working in state government for over 18 years. Bennett joined the Miller Administration as Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Bennett served as Executive Assistant for 3 ½ years and Commissioner of Public Safety for 7 ½ years. He also served as project manager during the planning, design, and construction of the new Fayette County Courthouse and the new Fayette County Detention Center. Bennett retired in 2001. Department of Public Safety website