Trump to nominate Frankfort native, UK graduate to United Nations position
Another woman with ties to the University of Kentucky will be nominated by President Donald Trump to a United Nations position.
Trump announced his intent Monday to nominate Frankfort native Jennifer Yue Barber to serve as a U.S. representative on the Economic and Social Council of the UN, according tothe White House.
The White House did not say when the nomination would become official.
Currently practicing law in Louisville for the firm Frost Brown Todd LLC, Barber has two degrees from the University of Kentucky and served on the UK Board of Trustees from August 2016 until last month. Her roles included vice chair of the board, chair of the Athletics Committee and vice chair of the Executive Committee, UK said.
UK President Eli Capilouto said Barber was an invaluable member and leader of the Board of Trustees.
“She has chaired our Athletics Committee and was recently selected as vice chair of the board by her colleagues – a reflection of how highly they regard her,” he said. “Her legal background, understanding of finance, willingness to ask pertinent questions, and in turn, offer constructive and insightful guidance have been critically important to me and to UK. We will miss her, but we wish Jennifer and her family only the best as she continues her commitment to public service.”
Barber has also served on the Kentucky State Fair Board, Board of Directors for the Kentucky Bar Foundation and the Louisville Bar Association, according to UK.
Her law firm said she focuses her practice on “state and local tax, economic incentives and government affairs.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Trump “made another strong choice” in his nomination of Barber.
“Jennifer’s record of encouraging economic opportunity in Kentucky will serve her well as she works to help advance cooperation, development and prosperity throughout the international community,” McConnell stated. “I’m grateful Jennifer has chosen to serve our country, and I’m especially glad to know she’ll join our fellow Kentuckian U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Kelly Craft, in advancing our strategic interests and values on the world stage.”
Craft, like Barber, previously served on the UK Board of Trustees and graduated from the university. She was sworn in as United Nations ambassador on Sept. 10.
This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 9:44 AM.