Courtesy of Sarah M. Jackson, Executive Director, Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
At its September 18, 2014 meeting, the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance unanimously re-elected Craig C. Dilger to serve as its chairman, marking an unprecedented eighth consecutive term for the Louisville attorney. His service as chairman marks the longest continuous period of service as chairman in the Registry’s history. His one-year term as chairman will begin on December 17, 2014.
Dilger, a republican, was first appointed to the Registry by then-Gov. Fletcher from names submitted by organizations demonstrating a nonpartisan interest in fair elections and informed voting. He was re-appointed to the Registry by Gov. Beshear on October 29, 2008 and again on November 21, 2012. He previously served two consecutive terms as vice-chairman of the Registry.
Following his re-election, Dilger said, “I am honored to continue to serve in this role. With each re-election as chairman, I am reminded of the importance of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance’s statutory charge in the electoral process. I appreciate the faith and support of the Board in electing me to serve my Commonwealth in such a vital leadership role.”
“Serving a tenure this long as chairman has provided the necessary block of time to see my vision for the agency come to pass. For example, this year we have re-launched the agency’s website in a more dynamic, user-friendly format, and have received high marks for the upgrades to the website from the public, as well as to candidates and committees,” said Dilger.
Dilger is a Louisville native, and a graduate of Bellarmine University and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He is a member of the Business Litigation Practice with the law firm of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States District Courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to joining Stoll Keenon Ogden in 2001, Dilger served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Jefferson County. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Dilger served as the Assistant Division Chief for the General Trial Unit, Assistant Division Chief of the Unified Special Prosecutions Unit and Division Chief for the White Collar Crime Unit.
Dilger is a member of the American, Kentucky and Louisville Bar Associations, and a member of the American Inn of Court, Brandeis Chapter. He was recognized in March 2006 by Louisville Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under Age 40 – “Pick of the Judges.” His numerous other honors and awards include being named a Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree of 2003, and receiving the Jefferson County Police Service to Law Enforcement Award in 2001, the Louisville Division of Police Special Service and Dedication Award in 2001, the Louisville Division of Fire Special Recognition Award in 1999, Louisville Magazine Top Lawyer 2012-2014, 2012-2014 Best Lawyers in America, and Kentucky Super Lawyers 2013-2014.
As the Registry’s chairman, he has been a featured panelist, moderator and participant at annual conferences of the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL), the preeminent international organization of government ethics officers. He has made presentations at the Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention (2013), the Kentucky Judicial Conference (Spring 2013), the Louisville Bar Association and at conferences of the Kentucky County Clerks Association.
Registry Member Terry Naydan, of Lexington, was elected vice-chair. Dr. Naydan is a retired teacher. She graduated from William Paterson University with a BA and MA in Elementary Education. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Student Counseling Services from Upsala College, as well as a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Kentucky. Her doctoral research was in the area of adult literacy. She was born and raised in New York City and taught Language Arts at all grade levels in the Wyckoff, New Jersey school system for over twenty years.
Dr. Naydan served as president of the Kentucky League of Women Voters from 1999 – 2003. She has also served as president and vice-president of the League of Women Voters of Lexington/Fayette County.
Dr. Naydan was first appointed to the Registry by Gov. Beshear in October of 2008 from names submitted by organizations demonstrating a nonpartisan interest in fair elections and informed voting. She was re-appointed to the Registry by Gov. Beshear in 2012.
The Registry is charged with administering Kentucky’s campaign finance laws, including those relating to all candidates who run for election in 2014. Kentucky law requires the disclosure by a candidate of contributions to and expenditures by the campaign.
