FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear has announced a new round of appointments to state boards and commissions, filling vacant positions across a range of state agencies overseeing medical licensing, palliative care and emergency response.

The appointments include medical professionals and experienced administrators who will help guide policy decisions across multiple sectors. The Governor appointed Dr. Aneeta Bhatia, an anesthesiologist at UofL Health in Prospect, and Dr. Tamella Cassis, a dermatologist at Cassis Dermatology & Aesthetics Center, to the State Board of Medical Licensure. Bhatia replaces David Wallace and will serve through August 31, 2026, while Cassis replaces Caren Daniels with a term expiring in August 2026.

The Governor also reappointed Dr. William Thornbury Jr., a physician at Medical Associates of Southern Kentucky in Glasgow, to serve through August 31, 2026.

On the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, Beshear appointed Ellen Schroeder, a health systems manager at the American Cancer Society in Glasgow, and Gretchen Brown, a retired Lexington resident. Schroeder replaces Kristy Young, while Brown replaces James Patton. The Governor reappointed Gretchen Horton of Lexington, a pediatric palliative care social worker, along with several other members.

For the Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting, the Governor appointed Richard Thomas of Richmond, a retired hospital CEO and city manager.

The KATS Network Advisory Council also received new members, with Melanie Peskoe, Joe Cowan and Traci Burks joining the body. The Governor reappointed William Titus Jr., Nicole Maher, Samanthia Farthing and Geraldine Gordon-Brown to the Council.