Governor Matt Bevin accepted the resignation Tuesday of Kentucky’s Economic Development Secretary Terry Gill, who has played a key role in leading the state’s record-breaking investment performance. Gill’s resignation is effective at the end of May.
Bevin says the impact Gill’s leadership has had on the economy of the commonwealth cannot be overstated. He adds the stellar effort put forward by Gill and his team has led to unprecedented economic investment and has helped to solidify Kentucky’s reputation as the most business-friendly state in America. He says Gill will be missed.
Gill says it’s been an absolute honor to serve the Governor and the Commonwealth in this capacity, but he has decided to return to the private sector where he has spent most of his working career.
According to officials, Gill has served as Economic Development Secretary since January 2017. Under his leadership, officials indicate the state has experienced unprecedented growth, with more than $15.8 billion in new investment announced and nearly 32,400 new jobs, including a state record $8.77 billion in investment secured in 2017. Gill worked to attract four of the largest economic development investment projects in Kentucky history — Amazon Air, Braidy Industries, Toyota’s Reborn project, and Nucor Corporation.
Bevin will recommend the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership appoint CED Executive Officer Vivek Sarin, who currently co-leads the cabinet with Gill, as the interim secretary effective upon the completion of Gill’s service. Officials say the partnership will begin a national search for a new cabinet secretary, per state statute.
