District 2 of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has hired longtime area journalist Matt Hughes as its new public information officer, following the retirement of Keirsten Jaggers.
A Webster County native, Hughes previously served the Paxton Media Group, where he worked as editor of The Journal-Enterprise newspaper in Providence for the last 12 years. Over the last three years, he’s been based in Madisonville, where he’s also had to work as editor of The Messenger and Dawson Springs Progress along with The Journal-Enterprise.
Before joining the newspaper industry, Hughes spent several years in the coal industry loading barges, and he worked five years with WBKR/WOMI radio in Owensboro.
In a written statement, Hughes noted the nation’s interstate and highway system is “one of the most important resources,” and that he’s excited for this opportunity.
Deneatra Henderson, District 2’s chief engineer, also noted Hughes’ media experience in both print and radio would be a “true asset” to the functions of the region.
His responsibilities will include the handling of transportation-related media and public communications, promotional campaigns, special events, educational materials, a district website and district social media.
He’s a graduate of Providence High School and Kentucky Wesleyan College. He and his wife, Shanda, have lived in Madisonville for the past 18 years, and they have one daughter.
District 2 counties include: Caldwell, Christian, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union and Webster.
