Governor Steve Beshear appoints Homeland Security Director.

Here is the release:

Governor Steve Beshear Appoints Homeland Security Director
Adam H. Edelen appointed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear today appointed Adam H. Edelen as Kentucky Homeland Security Director.

"Adam is a strong leader who will serve the Commonwealth well in coordinating our overall homeland security preparedness and response efforts," said Beshear. "The task of keeping our public safe is an awesome responsibility and I am confident that Adam will work with our communities and first responders to ensure the state is ready and prepared for any emergency it might face."

Active in Kentucky's business and civic arenas, Adam H. Edelen is a member of the executive team at Thomas & King, Inc, where he directs strategic planning for America's eighth largest restaurant franchise company.

Prior to his work for Thomas & King, Adam served as an aide to Governor Paul Patton and later as Vice-President of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, he was the recipient of the Ace Magazine-Lexington Young Professionals' Association "Rising Star Award." He was named a 2007 Young Leader by the American Swiss Foundation.

Adam has a demonstrated record of community leadership, having served as Chairman of the 2006 United Way of the Bluegrass Annual Campaign and Chairman of the Board of Kentucky Educational Television. Currently, he is Vice-Chairman of the Urban League of Lexington and Chairman of the Business Council for a Strong Start, an organization which advocates for universal Pre-K.

From 2000-2002, Adam led New Century Lexington's Report on Community Livability effort, resulting in a nationally recognized tool for measuring the community's quality of life.

In 2006 he was appointed to the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, where he serves as the youngest member of the prestigious statewide public education advocacy organization.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Adam and his wife Catherine live in Lexington with their twin sons.