Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced key appointments and staffing changes for his executive team for his second term at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Quarles appointed Owensboro native Sean Southard as director of public affairs.
“I am forever grateful to the people of Kentucky for allowing me the opportunity to serve them as Commissioner of Agriculture,” Commissioner Quarles said. “I trust my senior staff to help carry out the agenda I campaigned on: putting Kentucky first. Over the past few years, Sean has demonstrated leadership and provided sound advice to me and the Department. I am excited they will help us continue the momentum going forward.”
As the director of public affairs, Southard will help manage the Department’s policy portfolio. He will retain his responsibilities as KDA’s director of communications.
“Over the past two and half years I have seen firsthand how important state and federal policy can impact Kentucky agriculture,” Southard said. “I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this expanded role offers. It is a great privilege to serve the people of Kentucky and to continue communicating Commissioner Quarles’ agenda.”
Southard began his public relations and public affairs career at RunSwitch PR, where he developed and executed messaging strategies for clients such as Amazon.com, Kentucky Farm Bureau, and political candidates and organizations. Southard is a graduate of the University of Louisville. An Owensboro native, he currently resides in Louisville.
