Mayor's Staff

Shaye Rabold received her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, with a focus on public policy and analysis. She served as finance director and later campaign manager for the Newberry for Mayor Campaign from 2004 to November, 2006. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Birmingham Southern College, Rabold served as manager of the Bowling Green-Warren County Senior Citizens Center.

Joe Kelly is currently the chair for the Commerce Lexington Board of Directors as well as chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. He retired as Columbia Gas president in 2006. He served in numerous positions for the gas company before being promoted to president in 2003. He has served on numerous community boards, including United Way of the Bluegrass, The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, the New Century Board of Directors, the Lexington United Board of Directors and the state Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee

Rama Dhuwaraha, the city’s first Chief Information Officer, came to the government after serving as director of business development with Lexington’s QX Networking and Design Inc. Dhuwaraha previously served as vice president of Win Enterprises, which merged with QX. He is vice president of the Kentucky Internet Service Providers Association. Dhuwaraha holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Susan Straub received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky and has an extensive career in communications. Since 2003, she has served as press secretary to the Senate Democratic Caucus. She previously served as press secretary to Lexington Mayor Pam Miller, a free-lance writer and public relations specialist, reporter, editor and information specialist for UK’s Office of Public Relations and a public information officer for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

Ned Sheehy earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from UK and served as executive director and CEO of Federated Transportation Service of the Bluegrass Inc., senior vice president for external affairs for the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and president and CEO of the Kentucky Motor Transport Association. Mr. Sheehy served as legislative and executive lobbyist for the Chamber and served as a legislative lobbyist for the Kentucky Motor Transport Association.

Marianne Blodgett worked with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government for 25 years. From 2001 until 2004, she served as Director of Government Communications. She has also worked with the Fayette County Education Foundation. 

Arty Greene retired from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Police Department in 1999 after 25 years of service. Greene went on to earn a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Kentucky State University. Greene served as Field Organization Director and Senior Advisor for the Newberry for Mayor Campaign. In that position, Greene worked closely with constituents throughout Lexington’s twelve council districts. 

Krista Greathouse holds a bachelor’s of science degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Murray State University. Most recently, she was the Director of Events for Short’s Sports and Events, the official Housing Bureau for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Within her 15-year career in event management and public relations, she also worked for the United States Equestrian Federation and the National Tour Association, Host Communications. Greathouse is also involved in the community through various associations, including the Bluegrass Hospitality Association.

Penny Ebel received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky, majoring in Recreation. Previously, she has worked with the LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, Bluegrass State Games, the Downtown Lexington Corporation and the Lexington Downtown Development Authority. In all of these positions, she has planned, executed and supported many community events.