FRANKFORT, Ky. — Labor Cabinet Secretary Larry Roberts will retire at the end of June, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday. Jamie Link will assume his role beginning July 1.
What You Need To Know
- Labor Cabinet Secretary Larry Roberts is retiring at the end of June
- Jamie Link will assume his role beginning July 1
- Roberts began his career in state government in 1973 as an investigator with the state Labor Department
- Link most recently served as the executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority
“The Commonwealth has been fortunate to have a leader like Secretary Larry Roberts, who has dedicated his career to protecting our workers and their rights,” Beshear said. “I thank Larry for his dedicated service and wish him and his family the very best as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.”
In 1973, Roberts began his career in state government as an investigator with the state Labor Department. He held various positions over his 33 years with the cabinet, including secretary under former Gov. Steve Beshear from 2013 to 2015. He also served as state director for the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council from September 2002 to April 2013. Roberts served as a consultant for the Kentucky Pipe Trades Association before joining the current governor's administration.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve with Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky during this difficult time in our history,” said Roberts. “During my 33 years with the Labor Cabinet, I have served with so many dedicated public servants who deeply care about protecting and promoting the rights of Kentucky’s working men and women, and I am thankful for their friendship and service. I have always strived to make a positive difference in the labor-management community, and I hope that is my legacy.”
Link most recently served as the executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. In March 2020, he began overseeing the KentuckyWired project, which is expected to be completed this October. Link served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Steve Beshear and as deputy secretary of both the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Finance Administration Cabinet. He also served as the chief executive officer of the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.
“Jamie has proven he has the leadership experience and project management skills needed to lead the Labor Cabinet,” Beshear said. “He is committed to standing with our labor unions, protecting our workers and helping Kentucky families climb out of this pandemic that has devastated far too many. Together, we are going to continue to build the better Kentucky we all want.”
“I am honored to join the dedicated staff of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet and will work hard to address issues of great importance to Kentucky’s working families,” said Link. “We will continue to resolve and remedy Kentucky’s unemployment insurance challenges that resulted from the global COVID-19 pandemic and focus on the needs and wellbeing of all Kentucky workers. I appreciate Gov. Beshear offering me this opportunity to further serve our commonwealth as well as the support of my predecessor, Secretary Larry Roberts.”