Gov. Beshear Announces Administration Changes

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 13, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Rocky Adkins, the Governor’s senior advisor, served his last day with the administration Friday, July 10. The Governor thanked Adkins for his commitment to serving the people of Kentucky through challenges like the pandemic and multiple natural disasters while also helping deliver historic economic investment and new jobs.

“Rocky has been an invaluable part of Team Kentucky and our success, and I am grateful to him for his leadership and his friendship,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every day, Rocky shows up ready to serve the people of our commonwealth, and I know his commitment to public service will continue to drive him in this next chapter. I wish him, Leah and their family all the best.”

“It’s been a tremendous honor working with Gov. Beshear and his team through unprecedented challenges, while also celebrating historic economic investments and record-breaking new jobs at the highest wages in Kentucky history,” Adkins said. “I’ve committed my career to public service. From working at different levels in the legislature to now the executive branch, these experiences have helped me support families across our commonwealth, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Adkins was appointed to the role of senior advisor in 2019 by then-Governor-elect Beshear. In the seven years since, Adkins helped lead the Beshear administration to secure more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs. He also played a key role during the pandemic and through multiple natural disasters, including recovery and response following the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods.

Prior to joining the Beshear administration, Adkins served in the Kentucky House, from 1987 to 2019, and held various roles, including House Majority Leader and the chamber’s Minority Floor Leader.

Stepping into the role of senior advisor is Ray Perry, who has held the role of deputy secretary of Gov. Beshear’s executive cabinet since April. Prior to that, Perry served as Secretary for the Public Protection Cabinet beginning in August 2021.