Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding County Attorney and Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney awards at the Kentucky Prosecutors Conference this week in Lexington.
The three-day conference brings together Kentucky’s 120 County Attorneys and 57 Commonwealth’s Attorneys, providing valuable training sessions and presentations from experts in various fields, with the goal of professional development.
Commonwealth’s Attorneys are elected prosecutors of felony crimes in Kentucky. County Attorneys are elected with jurisdiction to prosecute misdemeanors, handle juvenile issues and to serve as counsel to their county’s fiscal court.
This year’s award recipients are:
Lifetime Achievement Award:
• Alan George, Woodford County Attorney
George is Woodford County’s longest-serving County Attorney, having served in the office 45 years and 46 overall as a prosecutor. In his eight terms, George dedicated himself to serving the people of Woodford County and the Commonwealth. Much of his work has been credited with strengthening Kentucky’s DUI laws.
“The experience and dedication Alan George brought to his role have served Kentucky well. Beyond nearly five decades of service, Alan will be remembered for his commitment to holding impaired drivers accountable and helping to prevent tragedies before they happen,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Outstanding County Attorney:
• Corey Thomas, Spencer County Attorney
Thomas was elected in 2022 to serve his native Spencer County. During his tenure, he has become known for being generous with his time and talents. Thomas has even taken on additional responsibilities relating to Child Support to ensure Kentucky’s families have what they need.
“As a prosecutor, Corey Thomas goes beyond what’s required in the courtroom to deliver justice and better serve communities across the Commonwealth. We are grateful for his dedication,” said Attorney General Coleman.
• Jordan Dallas Turner, Boone County Attorney
Jordan Dallas Turner was elected the Boone County Attorney in 2022, becoming the first woman in Boone County’s history to hold this office. She previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Floyd County, Kentucky, and a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. She has worked on human trafficking cases overseas and closer to home, she has initiated statewide efforts to make schools safer.
“Jordan Dallas Turner is a force multiplier who has helped victims across the Commonwealth and even the world. She has earned the respect and admiration of those she serves and those fortunate enough to call her a colleague and friend,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney Award:
• Blake Chambers, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bulter Hancock, and Ohio Counties
A prosecutor since 2011 and past president of the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association, Chambers is known for coming alongside colleagues and taking on the difficult cases. He has served as Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 38th Judicial Circuit since 2017 and previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney and Assistant Warren County Attorney.
“By mentoring other lawyers, readily taking on challenges and setting an example of dedication and professionalism, Blake Chambers demonstrates what it truly means to be a leader,” said Attorney General Coleman.
• Gerina Whethers, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney
As Louisville’s felony prosecutor, Whethers brings over 20 years of legal experience and professional expertise to supporting public safety in the Commonwealth’s largest city. She took office in May 2023, becoming the first African American woman to serve as Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County. Along with Louisville’s Mayor and Police Chief, she helped stand up the Attorney General’s Violent Crime Reduction Team to tackle the violent crime in Louisville.
“Gerina Whethers is a fearless prosecutor who is dedicated to creating safer communities and we are proud to partner with her. Her work should give Louisvillians confidence that crimes will be prosecuted and criminals will held responsible,” said Attorney General Coleman.
The conference, which drew nearly 800 prosecutors, victims’ advocates, and other staff from across the Commonwealth will wrap up Friday.
Kentucky Attorney General’s Office