Gov. Andy Beshear’s longtime transportation secretary is stepping into a new role.
Former Lexington Mayor Jim Gray has been Kentucky’s transportation secretary for the entirety of Beshear’s time as governor.
On Tuesday, Beshear said Gray would become a part-time special adviser on transportation.
“I am grateful he will continue to make an impact through this next well-deserved role,” Beshear said.
Beshear credited Gray with major projects such as the Brent Spence Bridge and Mountain Parkway extension, as well as disaster recovery.
Gray served eight years as Lexington mayor before Beshear appointed him in 2019.
“I’m grateful to have served alongside thousands of talented and dedicated public servants these past six years, and I take a lot of pride in what we’ve been able to accomplish by working together,” Gray said.
Rebecca Goodman will succeed Gray at the Transportation Cabinet. Goodman has led the Energy and Environment Cabinet also since the beginning of Beshear’s administration.
John Lyons, now deputy energy secretary, will step up to fill Goodman’s role.
Goodman began her career as a cartographer at the KYTC, while Lyons has spent his entire career in state government at the EEC.
“These leaders are incredible public servants who have dedicated themselves to this work, and these new positions will help us make even more progress,” Beshear said.
Beshear also picked Ray Perry as the deputy secretary of his executive cabinet. Perry has led the Public Protection Cabinet since 2021. DJ Wasson, currently the cabinet’s deputy secretary, will follow Perry into the top job.
“DJ and John are two Kentuckians who have shown an incredible commitment to serving the families across our commonwealth through their roles in state government,” Beshear said.
