Kentucky Governor-elect Matt Bevin has selected a former campaign rival to lead the state Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
As secretary of the Workforce and Development Cabinet, Louisville businessman Hal Heiner will oversee the coordination of state education programs and the management of workforce training.
Heiner has been a staunch supporter of bringing charter schools into Kentucky, which is one of eight states that don’t allow them.
In a release announcing Heiner’s appointment, Bevin said “modernizing our education system is essential to the future success of our commonwealth”
“Hal has the proven experience and commitment to ensure that we make meaningful progress for students at all levels.”
Heiner spent $5 million of his own money in his bid to win the Republican nomination for governor, which Bevin ultimately grabbed in a brutal four-way primary election.
In a news release, Heiner said he looks forward “to the day that every Kentuckian has the specialized educational options available in so many other states.”
“Kentucky’s most important responsibility is to recognize the gifts, abilities and promise of each of its citizens and then develop educational options assisting them in achieving their most fulfilled life,” Heiner said.
Heiner served on the Louisville Metro Council from 2002 until 2010. He ran for Louisville mayor in 2010, but narrowly lost to Democrat Greg Fischer.
