Jerry Abramson
Jerry Abramson, the longest-serving mayor in Louisville’s history, joined the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame during a November 16 induction ceremony.
The ceremony was hosted by University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.
“Mayor Abramson has achieved a truly remarkable career that spans four decades of public service,” Ron Zimmer, professor and director of the Martin School, said in a prepared statement. “He has served at all levels of government – local, state and federal – and he is most deserving of this recognition for his many contributions to the betterment of his community and our state.”
Abramson served 21 years as Louisville’s mayor. Nicknamed “Mayor for Life,” his three consecutive terms as mayor of the City of Louisville (1986-1999) were followed by two terms as mayor of the merged Louisville Metro government (2003-2010). During his tenure, Louisville experienced unprecedented growth.
Abramson also was president of the National Conference of Mayors from 1993-94.
He served as Kentucky’s lieutenant governor under Steve Beshear from 2011-14. He then joined the Obama administration in 2014 as director of Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until January 2017.
Abramson currently is executive in residence at Spalding University in Louisville.