Governor Beshear announces changes to executive cabinet, provides update on tornado relief funds

On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear announced the retirement of Executive Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown and Interim Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes from state government.

While continuing his current position as state budget director, the governor announced that John Hicks will now also take on the role of executive cabinet secretary.

“John has been an invaluable member of my administration, and I am pleased to have him step into this new role,” Gov. Beshear said. “John’s skills and expertise are vast and having his steady and experienced leadership as executive cabinet secretary will only help us continue to build a better, stronger Kentucky for all our families.”

Also, the governor named Jeff Noel as the new secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. Noel previously served as corporate vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corporation and has held various leadership positions at multiple economic development organizations.

“We are once again proving that Kentucky is the destination as we welcome Jeff back home to the Bluegrass,” said Gov. Beshear. “Jeff has both Kentucky state government economic development experience, as well as leadership skills that he earned at a multinational manufacturing company. We are excited to have Jeff join Team Kentucky.”

During his press conference, Governor Beshear also provided an update on the Team Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, announcing $15 million that has been sent to the impacted communities as a result of Senate Bill 150. He also shared that $16 million will be spent to build 300 new homes among 13 impacted counties through non-profits organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Fuller Center for Housing, and Homes for Hope.