A lifelong resident of Kentucky, Mark S. Brown was appointed Acting Secretary of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on December 1, 2010.

"I am humbled and honored by Governor Beshear’s appointment. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with the many fine industries in Kentucky to provide the safest and healthiest workplaces for their employees and at the same time create an environment that is conducive to economic opportunity for both employer and employee."

Secretary Brown served as a State Representative in the Kentucky Legislature from 1985 to 1998, representing the 27th District of Meade, Hardin, and Bullitt counties. During this tenure, he chaired numerous committees, including serving as Vice-chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee and Chairman of the Job Training, Licensing, and Apprenticeship Subcommittee.  He also served as Chairman of the Budget Subcommittee on General Government, which included oversight of the Department of Labor budget.

In 1998, Secretary Brown was elected to the post of Meade County Judge/Executive. He is a long-standing member of the Pipe Fitters Union Local 502, working in the chemical and mechanical industries. While attending Western Kentucky University, he was an active member of the Kentucky Young Democrats, serving as state treasurer in 1979 and state president in 1981. He also served as state labor liaison to the National Young Democrats organization.

Secretary Brown was born in Meade County, Kentucky, and is a lifelong resident of Brandenburg, where he lives with his wife, Donna. They have three children, Mark, Rachael, and Bridgette, and five grandchildren.