According to the Philadelphia Tribune, the appointment makes
Kernodle, 36, “one of the youngest African Americans to hold such a position in
the governor’s cabinet.”
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kernodle is a graduate of
Roman Catholic High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Education from FAMU
in 2002.
Before serving in his current position as senior advisor for
Wolf’s transition team, Kernodle played a key role on the Wolf campaign as both
deputy campaign manager and political director.
Kernodle previously worked in Philadelphia Mayor Michael
Nutter’s Administration as deputy of legislative affairs, helping to coordinate
the city’s Actual Value Initiative. In 2012, he was part of U.S. President Barack
Obama’s reelection effort as the Pennsylvania southeast political director. Kernodle
also served as the political director for both Nutter’s 2011 reelection bid and
District Attorney Seth Williams’ race in 2009.