About the LEPC

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) were developed under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). To learn more about the EPCRA and learn additional information about the LEPC please visit: EPA: Local Emergency Planning Committees

Chairman

Ashley Walo

Ashley started as the Planning Coordinator in September 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University with Magna Cum Laude distinction. While at American Military University, Ashley focused her degree on homeland security issues and natural disaster mitigation, response and recovery. She previously worked for the State within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. She is the mother of two boys.

Vice Chairman

Rick Parks

Rick serves as the Director of Safety & Compliance for Citco Water, where he oversees high-level operations planning across multiple locations. His responsibilities extend to all aspects of safety, employee training, and regulatory compliance within the organization. Rick is actively involved in the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), demonstrating his commitment to community safety and preparedness. His experience in specialized chemicals such as Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide safety and training plays an integral role in maintaining a secure and compliant operational environment. Rick is also a member of the Chemical Education Foundation and is a Chlorine Safety Training Instructor.

Secretary

Emily Fay

Emily joined Lexington Emergency Management in July 2023 as the Public Information Officer. She has a master’s degree in Crisis Communication from the University of Kentucky. Her studies focused on first-responder communication before, during, and after responding to a crisis. Emily has several years of experience in emergency management ranging from wildfires to presidential debates. Previously, she worked as an emergency dispatcher, volunteer firefighter, and communication instructor at the University of Kentucky.

Treasurer

Ralph McCracken

Ralph has been with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department for over 15 years. He started as an Environmental Health Specialist inspecting state-permitted establishments (Restaurants, schools, pools….). In August of 2019, he assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Ralph retired from the US Army Reserves in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 28 years in various positions.

Parliamentarian

Bradley Stait

Bradley Strait is a managing associate in the Environment and Natural Resources practice at Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP, resident in the firm’s Lexington, Kentucky office. His practice consists of aiding clients in a variety of environmental law-related issues including permitting and regulatory compliance matters under federal, state, and local laws, as well as transactional due diligence.

Community Emergency Coordinator

Chad Traylor