Bro. Michael Berry
MICHAEL E. BERRY
SECRETARY OF THE TOURISM, ARTS AND HUMANITIES CABINET
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
Mike Berry is currently serving as Cabinet Secretary of Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage. Following a successful 33-year career culminating as President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival -- a whirlwind of more than 70 events leading up to the running of the world’s most famous horse race -- Mike retired in October of 2019. Following the election of current Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in November, Mike led the transition team for the agency and accepted the Governor’s call to serve in his executive cabinet, being sworn in on December 11, 2019. A native of Louisville, Mike received his BA in American Studies – a Pre-Law discipline -- from Georgetown College. He has been inducted into the International Festivals and Events Association, DeMolay International and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Halls of Fame and is currently serving on the boards of the Kentucky State Racing Commission, Kentucky State Fair Board, Louisville Theatrical Association, and chairs the Episcopal Church Home of Kentucky Foundation. Berry also likes to hang-out at Broadway shows, at University of Kentucky basketball, Boston Red Sox baseball and New England Patriot football games and at his second home in Fort Myers, Florida.
Coming from a Masonic Family, Mike is a 37-year member of Shively Lodge #951 in Louisville where his father was a Charter Member. In 2012, Mike was elected to dual membership in Federal Lodge #1, District of Columbia. Spending his teen years as a member of the Order of DeMolay, Mike served Kentucky as State Master Councilor in 1980-81. His mother, being a Past Grand Matron of Kentucky Eastern Star, inspired him to service in that organization, as well, where he was elected as Worthy Grand Patron of Kentucky (1995-96), continuing to serve the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, as:
· Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee (2000-2003)
· Right Worthy Grand Trustee (2003-2012)
· Right Worthy Grand Treasurer (2012-2018)
· And currently serving as Right Worthy Grand Sentinel (2018-2021)
Mike will serve as Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter during the 2024-2027 Triennium.
He is a 32nd-degree KCCH of the Scottish Rite, member of the York Rite, a Kosair Temple Shriner and a member of the Grand Executive Committee for Kentucky Rainbow Girls.