Rep. Jody Richards, who began his career as a teacher at Western Kentucky University, first ran for office in 1975, when he won the 20th District seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives, a position he holds to this day. While still in his first term, Richards was called upon to chair the House Education Committee and has been a constant leader for Kentucky education initiatives ever since. In 1987, Richards was chosen by his Democratic colleagues in the House to serve as their majority caucus chairman, one of the body's five leadership positions. In 1995, Richards reached the culmination of his nearly two decades of legislative service and leadership by being chosen Speaker of the House, a position he has now held longer than any other Kentuckian.
He was elected as chairman of the Southern Legislative Conference for the 1999- 2000 term and serves on the executive committee of both the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Southern Legislative Conference, as well as the governing board of the Council of State Governments. In addition, Richards serves on the Southern Regional Education board and has taken part in the Administrative Office of the Courts task force on family court. He is also a member of the National Speakers Conference.
Among his many awards, Richards is the recipient of the William H. Natcher Award for Government Service, and he was awarded the Hero Award for shepherding funding for Children's Advocacy Centers through the 2000 Kentucky General Assembly. In 2002, he received the Legislative Leadership Award from the Kentucky League of Cities and was recognized as a Friend of Kentucky Cities in 2004 and 2005. In 2004, he received the Paul Mason Memorial Award from the Kentucky Public Health Association.
Richards is the owner of Superior Books, a wholesale book sales and distribution company in Bowling Green, and is a longtime member of Greenwood Park Church of Christ. Richards remains active in the public affairs of Warren County. He has a son, Roger, a daughter-in-law, Ellen, and a granddaughter, Holly Beth. He and his wife, Neva, live in Bowling Green.
