Rep. Montell appointed to Education and Workforce Cabinet

Longtime education reform advocate will serve as Deputy Secretary

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2016) - Gov. Matt Bevin today announced the appointment of Rep. Brad Montell of Shelby County as Deputy Secretary for the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Montell will officially resign his legislative post and begin his tenure with the Bevin administration on Oct. 1. A seven-term state representative from Simpsonville, he had previously chosen not to seek re-election this November.

"We are very excited to welcome Brad to our team," said Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he will be a valuable asset in helping to achieve our goal of ensuring that education works for all Kentuckians."

First elected to the Kentucky General Assembly in 2002, Montell has been a leading advocate for education reform in the Commonwealth, championing such key issues as school choice and charter schools, pension reform, and the landmark 2007 "No Pass/No Drive" law, bringing academic accountability to young drivers.

While in the House of Representatives, Montell served on numerous committees, including Appropriations and Revenue, Banking and Insurance, Government Contract Review, Licensing and Occupations, and Economic Development.

The open Shelby County House District 58 is being contested by Democrat Cyndi Powell Skelli and Republican Rob Rothenburger.