Gov. Matt Bevin has named replacement judges/executive in two Kentucky counties.
Gov. Bevin
Bevin named Kevin Williams, of Irvine, as Judge-Executive of Estill County, replacing Wallace Taylor, who has resigned.
Williams is a lifelong resident of Estill County and previously served as a member of the Irvine City Council from 1990 to 1994. He was subsequently elected as a Magistrate to the Estill County Fiscal Court for three consecutive terms, before choosing not to run for reelection in 2006.
A retired firefighter and active small business owner, Williams has a long record of community involvement, which he believes will be invaluable as he serves the citizens of Estill County.
“The escalating financial difficulties and need for job growth in Estill County are key reasons why I am willing to make a return to Fiscal Court,” said Williams. “Gov. Bevin has led the way with major economic development announcements in Kentucky, and I am grateful for the opportunity he has given me to lead the way in Estill County.”
Williams previously served as a firefighter for the City of Irvine, Madison County and Lexington, where he retired as a captain in 2010. He also formerly owned River City Dry Cleaners in Irvine and presently co-owns Southeast Apparatus in Corbin.
This appointment will take effect Jan. 1, 2018, and Williams will serve until the position is filled in accordance with the results of the November 2018 midterm election, pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Kentucky Constitution.
Bevin named James “Jamie” Spears, of Franklin, as Judge-Executive of Simpson County, to replace Jim Henderson, who is resigning to accept a role with the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo).
Spears
Spears is currently the general manager of Professional Embryo Services, a family-owned company founded by his father that specializes in bovine reproduction. He is also the owner of Spears Cattle Company and a former vice president of the Simpson County Cattlemen’s Association, having served seven years as a member of its board of directors.
“I am thankful to Gov. Bevin for the opportunity to serve out the remainder of Judge Henderson’s term,” said Spears. “He is a passionate and respected community leader who I’m sure will continue to do great things for Kentucky in his new position. I will do my very best to follow the strong example he set and apply sound business principles and conservative values to the decisions I make.”
Spears has been married to his wife Ann for 20 years, and the couple has one son and one daughter.
He is a member of the Franklin United Methodist Church.
This appointment will take effect Jan. 2, 2018, and Spears will serve until the position is filled in accordance with the results of the November 2018 midterm election, pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Kentucky Constitution.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Governor’s Office
