Greg Thomas Named Secretary of Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet

Greg Thomas, who had been the acting Secretary of Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet since March 3, was given the permanent position by Gov. Matt Bevin on April 12. Thomas had been named Deputy Secretary in February. He now replaces Mike Hancock, who resigned three months after Bevin took office in December. “Greg possesses the leadership and management qualifications that are imperative for the Transportation Cabinet in these tough budgetary times,” Bevin said in a statement. “His expertise in engineering and budget management, coupled with his ability to provide strategic direction, make him the perfect fit for this critical position within the administration.”

It’s a challenging time for transportation in Kentucky. Bevin trimmed $112.5 million from the Transportation Cabinet’s budget — more than 5% of the total — in January to help plug the hole caused by a forecast shortfall in revenue. On April 8, Bevin signed a bill that will allow the Cabinet to build infrastructure in public-private partnerships.

The Transportation Cabinet is Kentucky’s equivalent of a Department of Transportation, overseeing state roads and bridges and issuing driver's licenses and registrations.

“I am truly honored to serve Kentucky as Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet,” said Thomas, who previously worked in the electric power distribution industry in Kentucky. “As we move forward, we will continue our commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network for Kentucky. I want to sincerely thank Gov. Bevin for the opportunity to serve the Cabinet, our talented employees and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”