Beshear Advisor Change
Governor Beshear Appoints Ray Perry as Senior Advisor, Succeeding Rocky Adkins Amidst Cabinet Shift
Key Points
Adkins helped attract more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, resulting in more than 70,000 jobs.
Ray Perry, the deputy secretary of the Executive Cabinet since April, will become Beshear's senior adviser; he previously served as secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet beginning in 2021.
Adkins played a role in recovery following the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods, contributing to disaster response as part of Team Kentucky.
Adkins served in the Kentucky House from 1987 to 2019, including leadership roles such as House Majority Leader and Minority Floor Leader.
Adkins ran in the 2019 gubernatorial primary and has not ruled out another run in 2027.
Rocky Adkins has left his role as senior adviser to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, with his last day on July 10, according to Spectrum News 1. Ray Perry, the deputy secretary of the Executive Cabinet, will step in as his replacement.
Adkins spent seven years helping lead Kentucky's economic and disaster recovery efforts. Now, Forward Kentucky reports he is set to announce a run for governor in late July — setting up what could be a major 2027 race.
Adkins Leaves Behind a Record of Jobs and Recovery
During his time as senior adviser, Adkins helped bring in more than 1,300 private-sector projects to Kentucky, according to WNKY News. Those deals totaled over $50 billion in announced investments and created more than 70,000 jobs.
Adkins also played a key role in disaster response. After devastating floods hit Eastern Kentucky in 2022, he worked as part of what the administration called "Team Kentucky" to lead recovery efforts. Adkins said serving Kentucky was "a tremendous honor."
Ray Perry Steps Up to Fill the Senior Adviser Post
Perry has been deputy secretary of the Executive Cabinet since April, according to WPSD Local 6. Before that, he served as secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet starting in 2021. His move into the senior adviser role keeps an experienced hand close to the governor.
The transition appears smooth. Beshear praised Adkins for his leadership through the pandemic, natural disasters, and years of economic growth. Perry is expected to step into the role without a gap in leadership.
Adkins's Long Career Points Toward Another Governor's Race
Adkins served in the Kentucky House from 1987 to 2019 — a span of 32 years, according to State Journal. He held top roles including House Majority Leader and Minority Floor Leader. He ran for governor in the 2019 Democratic primary but lost to Beshear.
Now, Forward Kentucky reports Adkins plans to announce a new governor's campaign in late July. He has not ruled out a 2027 run. If he enters the race, he would be a well-known figure with deep ties across the state.
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