Former state data center director named to position
in Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2009) — Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Helen Mountjoy today announced the appointment of Ron Crouch as director of research and statistics in the Office of Employment and Training. He begins his new duties October 1.
In addition to oversight of labor market information, Crouch will be responsible for communicating statistics and information about the condition of Kentucky’s workforce.
“I hope to be able to help decision makers in Kentucky better understand the demographic, social, educational, workforce and economic trends we are facing in Kentucky,” Crouch said. “Good information is important as we look at the future, address our state’s issues and develop programs to insure the well-being of our citizens.”
Crouch retired earlier this year after serving more than 20 years as director of the Kentucky State Data Center, an information clearinghouse for the Census Bureau and other data sources. Under Crouch’s direction, the data center worked on information projects including: population trends and age stratification, educational data and trends, birth trends by age cohort, employment trends, income and poverty trends, and economic development issues. Prior to his work with the data center, Crouch served as director of planning and research for Metro United Way in Louisville.
Since his retirement, Crouch has continued his work as a data analysis and research consultant. He averages 150 presentations per year and has spoken in 30 states to international, national and state leaders. His firm, Crouch and Associates, has analyzed and developed a database for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as international data on selected countries for his international audiences looking at demographic, social, educational and economic trends.
“With more than 35 years of experience in research and data analysis, Ron has a solid background in analyzing and developing information in ways that enhance understanding and utilization,” said Mountjoy. “His input will be invaluable as we study Kentucky’s labor market to understand where we have been, where we are now and where we need to go.”
Crouch, of Bullitt County, received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kentucky Southern College in Louisville. He has also earned masters degrees in sociology and social work from the University of Louisville and his M.B.A. from Bellarmine University.
“I hope my decades of looking at Kentucky's numbers can help in my new position with the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet to prepare Kentucky for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Crouch said. “I have been called a ‘storyteller with numbers,’ and as a native Kentuckian I look forward to serving Kentucky with good numbers, a little humor and outreach efforts that serve all parts of Kentucky.”
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