Kenneth W. Warden, of Fort Thomas, has been appointed Executive Director of the newly created Kentucky Real Estate Authority. The appointment was announced by the Secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, David Dickerson, and will be effective immediately.

Warden brings over 40 years of real estate experience to the position, most recently as the owner of Warden & Associates in Northern Kentucky where he also worked as a broker. Prior to founding his own firm, Warden oversaw the Campbell County operations of West Shell, Inc. and served the company as a vice-president and partner.

“Ken Warden is an accomplished professional with decades of experience in all sectors of the real estate industry. His qualifications and knowledge make him a perfect fit for this new role,” said Secretary Dickerson.

As a member of several state professional real estate organizations, Warden has overseen high priority initiatives for the industry. He is a former president of the Kentucky Association of Realtors and was named the group’s 2015 Distinguished Service Award winner for his outstanding contributions to real estate. Warden also served as a president, director and member of the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors and a regional vice-president and director of the National Association of Realtors. He holds state licenses in Kentucky and Ohio as a real estate broker and is a Kentucky state certified residential appraiser.

“I am honored to receive this appointment,” said Warden. “The Kentucky Real Estate Authority was created to be a point of collaboration and innovation for the industry. I look forward to working with board members to impact positive change for the statewide real estate sector.”

A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, Warden is an Army Veteran and received an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Vietnam.