Governor Appoints Long-time Disabilities Rights Advocate,

Marsha Hockensmith,

Protection & Advocacy Division Director
FRANKFORT, KY (March 13, 2008)  Marsha Hockensmith, a long-time disabilities rights advocate, has been named the Department of Public Advocacy's Division Director for Protection & Advocacy, replacing Maureen Fitzgerald. Ms. Hockensmith has worked for P&A since 1994 in many capacities. Most recently she served as Assistant Director of P&A, where she advocated for persons with disabilities and managed P&A’s grants program. “Ms. Hockensmith brings the necessary skill, experience, and expertise to meet the mission of P&A in the coming years,” Public Advocate Ernie Lewis said.

Disability rights advocates are pleased with Hockensmith being names as Division Director. “Her Division plays a key role in people’s lives when they need assistance. She is a welcomed advocate,” said Melinda Mast, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky (BIAK). “The 874,000 Kentuckians with physical and mental disabilities and their families will be well served with Marsha in her new capacity,” Adrienne Grizzell, State Coordinator, Kentucky Self-Advocates for Freedom.

Protection & Advocacy is a Division of the Department Of Public Advocacy whose mission is to enhance civil rights for people with disabilities, improve funding for community-based services, and protect persons who are abused and neglected. P&A staff include attorneys and advocates.