About Rita

BORN: November 13, 1948 Jessamine County, KY

BACKGROUND: Reared on a dairy, tobacco, and general agriculture farm in Nicholas County, Carlisle, KY. Graduated from Nicholas County High School.

EDUCATION:
Nicholas County High School Graduate
Bachelor of Science, Eastern Kentucy University, 1970
Masters of Vocational Education, University of Kentucky, 1992

FAMILY: Husband, Richard; Daughters, Angela Penn and Ashley Tabb; Grandchildren, Hunter, Taylor, and Coleson Penn, Courtney and Caroline Tabb.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
1970-2005 County Extension Agent, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
2000-Present Owner, Bennett House Bed and Breakfast
2005-2009 Main Street Coordinator, City of Richmond (part-time)
2008-2010 Richmond City Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem
2008 Author, Bennett House Cookbook, KY Delights
2008-Present KY Plaid Project Chair, University of KY
2011-Present State Representative, 81st District

AWARDS: Leadership Madison County, Charter Class RJ Reynolds Leadership Award Communicator of Year, Madison Co. Toastmasters KY Colonel, Rising Star Award by Emerge America

CIVIC, COMMERCIAL: Richmond Area Arts Council, Altrusa Club, Richmond Tourism Board, former Director American Red Cross, Pattie A. Clay Auxiliary , Silver Tea Chair; Profit Makers Stock Club, Blue Ribbon Task Force to establish a teen center in Richmond, EKU Colonel Club, past director Daniel Boone Chapter of American Red Cross, Richmond Senior Citizens Board Member.

POLITICAL: Congressional Visits Coordinator for State delegation to PILD conference, Washington 1998, 1999 National Issues Conference, 1997, 1998, 1999.

Served on Governor's committee to establish rights for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, 1998, 1999. Served on Department of Agriculture Farm Family Crisis Task Force to address issues related to farm families in transition.

Worked with Department of Agriculture “Women IN Agriculture”, establishing a statewide conference.

Department of Agriculture Statewide Agri-tourism Task Force.

Served as Chair of Ky Council of Extension Agents and Specialists working to achieve additional fringe benefits and salary increases.

Served on statewide Child Care Committee during Gov. Paul Patton’s term to establish standards and training for State approved child care facilities.

Received $20,000 USDA HEEL grant to address Health Literacy in Madison County.

Obtained a $99,000 grant from National Youth at Risk program to establish Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Support Group in Madison County.