Bevin appoints chair of Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 9, 2018) — Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) President and CEO Brig. Gen. (Ret) Jim Iacocca the new board chairman of Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs (KCMA).

KCMA is an independent agency attached to the office of the governor that advocates for military installations and the related defense economy in Kentucky.

KCMA Executive Director Col. (Ret) Blaine Hedges welcomed the appointment.

“I have seen firsthand retired Brig. Gen. Iacocca’s positive efforts to advocate for Fort Knox,” said Hedges. “I know Kentucky will benefit from his leadership and I look forward to working with him even more in this new role.”

KRDA board chairman and Fort Knox Federal Credit Union President and CEO Ray Springsteen called the voluntary chairmanship role a great complement to Iaccoca’s work for KRDA.

“The position gives Brig. Gen. Iacocca a broader strategic view of the state’s efforts to grow the defense industry and helps to elevate the value of Fort Knox,” said Springsteen. “It’s a win for the state and the Fort Knox region.”

Springsteen said Iacocca’s effective leadership will be an asset to the entire state.

“Within a matter of months on the job, Brig. Gen. Iacocca has gained the respect and admiration of people throughout our region and at the state and federal levels,” Springsteen said.

Iacocca took the reins of KRDA in January, following more than 29 years of service in the U.S. Army including multiple assignments at Fort Knox with U.S. Army Human Resources Command and U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

Iacocca’s distinguished military career also included assignments at Fort Bragg, N.C., with the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Operations Command with which he deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He also served at the Pentagon on the staff for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Iacocca called the appointment a great privilege.

“I appreciate Gov. Bevin’s confidence in me,” said Iacocca. “I look forward to serving in this role for the betterment of Kentucky’s defense economy.”