Editor's Note: One of the government offices of great interest to Western Kentucky has a new commissioner.

Newly elected Governor Matt Bevin has appointed Sandra Dunahoo to become the new commissioner for the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

In a press release, the Bevin administration described Dunahoo as a government relations veteran with more than three decades of experience in governmental service and private sector consulting. She recently worked for Nesbitt Engineering Inc. as a development specialist and funding consultant and has held positions as a marketing manager at other firms.

Dunahoo also served as a projects manager and local government liaison for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers from 1986 to 1994. Her job at that time focused on working with local governments to obtain federal funding.

"I am excited to have Sandy joining our team in this critical role," Bevin said in the release. "Her depth of knowledge on funding streams and local projects will be a valuable resource for officials around Kentucky."

Part of her background is her experience with Leadership Kentucky and Nesbitt Engineering.

Dunahoo, who lives in Lexington and Booneville, said she is humbled and honored by the appointment.

In a JANUARY 6, 2009 news release, Nesbitt Engineering spoke to the actions of Sandra Dunahoo. "Nesbitt Engineering's Project Development Coordinator Sandra K. Edwards Dunahoo completed Leadership Kentucky and was selected to serve on their Board of Directors for 2009. Leadership Kentucky is the premier statewide leadership development organization in Kentucky.

Each year Leadership Kentucky selects a group of individuals to attend seven monthly, two-day sessions, held throughout Kentucky to educate participants regarding the state of Kentucky and its challenges. Meeting with many of Kentucky's current leaders, they're educated about the state's economy, education, health and human services, law and justice and the environment. This unique educational program helps develop new leaders and foster a greater understanding of the Commonwealth.

"I'm really glad Sandy was given the opportunity to participate in Leadership Kentucky," said Paul D. Nesbitt, President of Nesbitt Engineering, Inc. "Their program offers an intense and diverse experience that enables its graduates to participate more fully as leaders within their communities."

"Leadership Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to spend seven months learning about our Commonwealth with an exceptional group of talented individuals," said Sandy Dunahoo. "The opportunity to participate in Leadership Kentucky is priceless. It is an honor to be selected for the Board of Directors and I am committed fulfilling my obligation to insure that others have the opportunity to share in such a tremendous experience."

With offices in Lexington, Hazard and Prestonsburg, NESBITT provides engineering consulting services throughout Kentucky in a broad range of disciplines including solid waste management, civil engineering, mining engineering, oil and gas consulting, surveying and environmental sciences.