From Foresight, Vol. 5, No. 4
published 1998
The 1998 Vic Hellard, Jr., Award, given to a Kentuckian in recognition of a significant contribution to the future of the state, is Joseph W. Kelly. Kelly served as chairman of the Kentucky Board of Education from 1991 until April 1998, a period of dramatic and far-reaching change for elementary and secondary education in Kentucky. Governor Paul Patton presented the award on behalf of the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center and its Board of Directors at the Center’s November 17, 1998, conference in Lexington, Kentucky.
Figure: Governor Patton presents the 1998 Vic Hellard, Jr. Award to Joseph W. Kelly
According to Dr. Wilmer Cody, the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education, “Joe Kelly has provided courageous leadership in implementing the vision of education reform in Kentucky. His underlying premise for decisions on education policy issues has been to make sure all children are provided the necessary opportunities to learn. The state of Kentucky and its children are most fortunate to have this soft-spoken gentleman who gives much of himself to improve both schools and communities.”
In addition to his key role in public service to the state, Mr. Kelly is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc., which is based in Lexington. He began his career with Columbia Gas in 1986 as an economic development and governmental affairs consultant. In his various positions with Columbia Gas throughout the years, he has worked with local- and state-level economic development organizations to facilitate the retention, expansion, and recruitment of business and industry. Mr. Kelly also held positions in the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet and the Transportation Cabinet from 1981 to 1986. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from Campbellsville College and a Masters of Public Affairs from Kentucky State University.
Kelly’s professional and civic memberships demonstrate his untiring commitment to his community and state. His current and past memberships include, but are not limited to, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Lexington Industrial Foundation, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee, the Kentucky Industrial Development Council, and the Governor’s Commission on Corrections and Community Service.
He has received many awards as a result of his years of hard work in the public and private arenas. He has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Campbellsville University, the William T. Nallia Education Leadership Award from the Kentucky Association of School Administration, and The Commonwealth Award from the Kentucky Cabinet for Education, Arts and Humanities.
The Hellard Award is given in honor and in memory of Vic Hellard, Jr., the long-time director of the Legislative Research Commission who died in 1996. Hellard, who was serving on the Center’s Board at the time of his death, is credited with advancing the concept of this futures-oriented research center. In his long and distinguished career, Hellard, who was an attorney, served in the House of Representatives for two terms, then assumed the helm of the Legislative Research Commission. In that capacity, he championed the cause of legislative independence and played an instrumental role in the modernization of the legislative process in Kentucky.
The Hellard Award recognizes an individual for his or her work in the interest of the future of the Commonwealth. Criteria for the award include the demonstration of long-term vision and innovation, championship of the equality and dignity of every person, efforts to enhance the processes of a democratic society, and an approach to work distinguished by commitment, caring, generosity, and humor. Hellard was beloved for his playful wit, often complete with theatrical flourishes. He frequently acted in community theatre in and around central Kentucky.
The Hellard Award recipient was selected by the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center’s Board of Directors based on letters of nomination submitted by the general public.