Ky. gov names replacement for tourism secretary

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A former gubernatorial aide to three governors will take over as tourism secretary on June 1.

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday that Bob Stewart is his pick to replace Marcheta Sparrow, who is retiring at the end of the month.

Stewart served more than 10 years as Kentucky's commissioner of travel beginning in 1992. He also has served as executive assistant to Govs. Brereton Jones, Martha Layne Collins and Julian Carroll.

Stewart, a Frankfort native, worked as a freelance marketing consultant after leaving state government.