Beshear fills more high-level jobs for his administration

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Gov.-elect Andy Beshear filled more high-level jobs in his upcoming administration on Friday, including giving his general counsel a second key role as his chief of staff.

In selecting La Tasha Buckner for the role as chief of staff, Beshear said she will serve with integrity and “demand the type of culture” that’s needed in state government.

Buckner has worked for Beshear as an assistant deputy attorney general. In that role, she argued some of the state’s highest-profile cases, including those involving pension reform and budget cuts to universities. Beshear recently named her as his general counsel in the governor’s office.

Beshear said that Holly McCoy-Johnson will serve as Finance Cabinet secretary. She has considerable experience across state government. Mike Berry, who for many years led the Kentucky Derby Festival, will serve as Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet secretary, Beshear said.

John Hicks will serve as state budget director and former state Sen. Dorsey Ridley will be director of legislative services for the governor’s office, Beshear said.

Tom Miller will serve as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue.

Lt. Gov.-elect Jacqueline Coleman announced that Susan Rieber will serve as chief of staff in the lieutenant governor’s office.

Beshear and Coleman take office Tuesday.