Jim Gray Resigns as Transportation Secretary in Beshear Cabinet Shakeup

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a series of senior staffing changes on Tuesday. The moves included a shift at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and other cabinet posts.

Top transportation leadership shifts

Jim Gray, 72, stepped down as Kentucky Transportation Cabinet secretary after more than six years in the role. He is a former two-term mayor of Lexington and has campaigned for U.S. House and Senate seats.

Gray will not leave government service. He will take a part-time post as special advisor to the governor on transportation matters.

Successors at KYTC and Energy and Environment

Rebecca Goodman moves from Energy and Environment to lead the Transportation Cabinet. Goodman has served as Energy and Environment secretary since Beshear took office.

John Lyons, previously deputy secretary in Energy and Environment, will succeed Goodman as secretary there. Goodman began her career at KYTC as a cartographer.

Public Protection Cabinet change

DJ Wasson, the deputy secretary, becomes the new Public Protection Cabinet secretary. He replaces Ray Perry, who led that cabinet for nearly five years.

Perry will shift to the governor’s executive team. He now serves as deputy secretary of Beshear’s executive cabinet under Executive Cabinet Secretary John Hicks.

Projects and legacy

During his tenure, Gray oversaw major infrastructure efforts. That included work tied to the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project and final completion of the Mountain Parkway.

He also focused on improving road and bridge safety statewide. His office played roles in disaster preparation, response and recovery.

Context and timing

The governor’s office described the changes as part of a broader Beshear cabinet shakeup. Observers noted that Jim Gray’s resignation as Transportation Secretary is central to the reshuffle.

A spokesperson for the governor said the personnel moves were effective Tuesday.

For further coverage, Filmogaz.com will follow personnel developments and implementation of the announced projects.