Lynn Beshear has been appointed as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health by Governor Kay Ivey.
“I did not seek out this position, but I am honored to be chosen to serve my fellow Alabamians,” Mrs. Beshear stated. “I am excited to work with Governor Ivey, her Cabinet, the Legislature, and the professionals within the Department of Mental Health, to provide excellent services for Alabamians with mental illness, those who are developmentally delayed, and those who struggle with substance abuse.”
“I am honored to appoint Lynn Beshear as Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health,” Governor Ivey said. “Through active participation in securing mental health services in the River Region, Lynn understands the complexities of the Department, and the importance of its work on behalf of the people of Alabama.”
This move marks several recent staff and cabinet changes by Ivey, who became Governor after her predecessor, Robert Bentley, resigned in April. Bentley’s appointees who are no longer on the cabinet include Neal Morrison, commissioner of senior services and Joanne Hale, acting secretary of the office of information technology. The governor has also announced that Art Faulkner, Alabama’s Emergency Management Director, will retire in early September, and her replacements for these posts will soon be named.
Alabama’s 54th Governor is also replacing a host of staff members, including press secretary, replacing Eileen Jones. Daniel Sparkman has been promoted to the position of press secretary.
Ivey has indicated that these changes complete her cabinet. Commenting on these moves, she said: “I am thankful for the staff members who stayed on to help us make it through this quick transition. I am also especially thankful to Eileen Jones for her willingness to join my administration early on to help us get our feet on the ground and off to an effective start; I wish her well in her future endeavors.”
