Ivan Potter
Tuesday, June 9, 2015 3:10 pm

Governor's Office Names New Press Secretary

In the reality of the Governor's Office, there are two times to quickly name a press secretary.

The first one is during the transition from election into operations of the Governor's Office. The second time is usually six months out from the governor leaving the office. At this point in the administration, nonmerit people start to leave for other jobs.

That is what has just happened with Governor Steve Beshear's administration. Long serving (5 years) Press Secretary Kerri Richardson has resigned to take on a new life outside the unreal intensity of answering reporters' questions on a 24 hour cycle.

"Kerri's work to keep Kentuckians informed and engaged about job creation, education and health has been a valuable asset to this administration," Beshear said in a statement. "I wish her every success as she returns home to Louisville, where she will be closer to her husband and one-year-old daughter."

Richardson served as communications director since 2011, after initially joining the administration in 2009. She was named the 2014 National Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Government Communicators for her work on kynect, according to a press release.

"Working for Governor Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear has been both the biggest honor and biggest challenge of my career," Richardson said in a statement. "They love Kentucky and they work every day to make our state stronger, healthier, and more capable."

"Over and over, the Governor has proven himself as a strategic, thoughtful and compassionate leader, and it has been a privilege to witness that work and to share it with my fellow Kentuckians over the past six years."

According to the release, Richardson will be named vice-president of C2 Strategic Communications in Louisville. Her final day in the state Capitol is Friday, June 26.

Current Deputy Director Terry Sebastian has been appointed by Beshear as the new leader of his communications team.

"Terry is a capable and energetic leader with an extensive background in state government, and he will be a great fit in this position," Beshear said.

Sebastian was Deputy Communications Director for Gov. Paul Patton, Communications Director for former Auditor Crit Luallen and former Treasurer Jonathan Miller and Communications Director for the Kentucky Justice Cabinet, the news release said.

"The Governor, First Lady and Lieutenant Governor have so much more to do the last six months of this administration. I know the Governor wants to finish as strong as he started, and I'm honored to continue to work alongside him and his team," Sebastian said.