Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Greg Thomas today announced the appointment of David Martin, of Petersburg as commissioner of the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. Gary Reece, of London will serve as deputy commissioner.
“Both of these appointments emphasize the importance of bringing private sector experience to state government,” said Sec. Thomas. “I am thankful for their willingness to serve the Commonwealth and welcome them to their new roles.”
Prior to state government, David Martin spent 11 years in security management and was regional vice president of Brantley Security Services.
David Martin
He served as the city administrative officer for the City of Union as well as justice of the peace in Boone County. Martin also served three terms on the Wilder City Council.
“I thank Gov. Bevin for the opportunity to join the many talented individuals in the Transportation Cabinet. I recognize the significant relationship between transportation and economic growth and will use that mindset to help further advance the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner Martin. “I look forward to serving this administration and the people of this great state through our city and county governments.”
Martin earned degrees in political science and criminal justice from Northern Kentucky University. He lives in Petersburg with his wife Cindy and two children with a third on the way.
Deputy commissioner
Gary Reece began his career as a right of way agent for the Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Highways District 11 office in Manchester.
Reece left the Cabinet in 1972 to pursue a career in the energy and coal industry. After a successful 33-year career in the private industry, Reece returned to KYTC by serving in the Office of Rural Secondary Roads from 2004 to 2006.
In 2006, Reece was appointed the director of legislative affairs and served as a policy advisor to the Office of the Secretary in 2007.
“I want to thank Gov. Bevin for the opportunity to serve the people of the Commonwealth as well as the talented, hard-working employees of the Transportation Cabinet,” said Reece. “I look forward to sharing Gov. Bevin’s vision with constituents and local officials across Kentucky.”
Reece earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
He is originally from Jackson County and currently lives in London with his wife Linda. They have three children and five grandchildren.
