FRANKFORT, Ky. — Andy Beshear announced several leadership changes within his executive cabinet Tuesday, including a new role for longtime Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.

Gray, who has led the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet throughout Beshear’s administration, will transition into a part-time role as special advisor to the governor on transportation.

“Jim helped us see through major projects like the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project and finalizing the Mountain Parkway while also delivering safer roads and bridges across Kentucky and supporting preparations for, response to and recovery from some of the state’s worst natural disasters,” Beshear said. “I am grateful he will continue to make an impact through this next well-deserved role.”

Gray, a former mayor of Lexington, past president and CEO of Gray Inc., and Glasgow native, reflected on his time in the cabinet and the transition ahead.

“I’m grateful to have served alongside thousands of talented and dedicated public servants these past six years, and I take a lot of pride in what we’ve been able to accomplish by working together,” Gray said. “This is a purposeful transition for me – one where I will continue to support the Governor and all of Team Kentucky in a new and meaningful way.”

Gray’s tenure included oversight of major infrastructure efforts across the state, including progress on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project and the completion of the Mountain Parkway expansion.

He will be succeeded by Rebecca Goodman, who will move from her current role leading the Energy and Environment Cabinet into the top position at KYTC.

As part of the broader cabinet reshuffle, John Lyons will step into Goodman’s previous role as secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, while Ray Perry will transition from secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet to deputy secretary of the executive cabinet.

DJ Wasson will take over as secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet.