Longtime Beshear communications director to depart Kentucky governor’s office
Gov. Andy Beshear’s top communications lieutenant is leaving her role after more than five years in Frankfort.
Crystal Staley, director of communications for the office of the governor, is stepping down, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
“Crystal Staley has been a crucial part of Team Kentucky for years, serving during my time as attorney general and governor,” Beshear said in a release. “Through unprecedented challenges and historic wins, Crystal was always there to ensure the people of Kentucky were updated and informed. I am grateful to her for her years of service, and wish her the best of luck in this next chapter.”
Scottie Ellis, who served as deputy under Staley before working in Louisville local government then later returning to Frankfort, will replace Staley as director, per the release.
The release did not include information on Staley’s next professional steps.
“I want to thank the Governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Kentucky. I am grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the support I’ve received from so many people over the years,” Staley said in the release.
James Hatchett, a longtime member of the communications team, will move over to fill the role of director of digital and creative services, which Ellis left to become communications director.
Staley has played a key role in Beshear’s circle throughout the governor’s two terms and during his term as attorney general. She served as Beshear’s official director of communications for five years and eight months — the entirety of Beshear’s time so far in the governor’s chair.
During that time, Beshear’s media strategy — hitting the airwaves daily during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing on as a weekly broadcast throughout his tenure — has been credited for much of his enduring popularity among Kentuckians.
Beshear’s popularity, to the chagrin of state Republicans, remains very high according to available polling. Morning Consult had the governor’s approval rating at 68%, the highest of any Democrat and second-highest overall, in an April survey.
Staley’s career in Frankfort has been closely tied to the Beshear family.
She began her public service career at the state’s Personnel Cabinet during the eight-year tenure of former governor Steve Beshear, Andy’s father, according to her LinkedIn profile. In 2016, she joined the younger Beshear’s office of the attorney general team as a deputy communications director before being promoted at the end of his term.
Staley’s announcement comes around the same time as another major reshuffling in Beshear’s cabinet.
Beshear announced earlier this year that Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Feidlander would retire in August; he will be replaced by Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack.
