The Executive Branch of state government, carries out the laws and is headed by the governor.

Within the Executive Branch, there are a number of agencies responsible for this task. These agencies consists of cabinets, departments, offices, boards and commissions. The majority are grouped into one of the following ten program cabinets: Transportation, Economic Development, Finance and Administration, Tourism, Arts, and Heritage, Education and Labor, Health and Family Services, Justice and Public Safety, Personnel, Energy and Environment, and Public Protection. The General Government Cabinet houses the departments, offices, boards, and commissions not belonging to a program cabinet.

Most Executive Branch employment positions are covered by one of the three personnel systems: Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) Chapter 18A, KRS Chapter 16, and the Career and Technical System. The vast majority fall within KRS Chapter 18A classified service, also known as the merit system. Positions outside of the classified service/merit system are in the unclassified service.

The Personnel Cabinet and the Personnel Board administer and enforce the merit system as codified in KRS Chapter 18A and in various administrative regulations. This website is made available by the Personnel Cabinet to educate the public on employment processes and opportunities available within the Executive Branch of Kentucky state government, with an emphasis on the classified service/merit system.​

Click here to view Executive Branch organizational charts.​