Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
Chief Warrant Officer retired James Simms speaks during the National Guard Association of Kentucky Conference in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 8, 2014. Simms took over as the executive director of the association from Kim Knight during the meeting. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- It was business as usual for the annual National Guard Association of Kentucky Conference held in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 8. Speakers spoke, the future was discussed and awards were given, but it also marked the end of a decade of service for the association's director.
Kim Knight had worked tirelessly as the executive director for 10 years and felt it was time to hand over the reigns. Retired Chief Warrant Officer James Simms will take over for Knight.
"This job has given me an opportunity to grow and make many new lifelong friends along the way," said Knight, who's husband, Chief Warrant Officer Steve Knight is a standardization flight officer for the Kentucky Guard. "It is time for me to begin a new chapter in mine and Steve's life. I look forward to what God has planned for us."
Knight said she was honored to serve as the director and was happy to be a part of the associations growth. She fully supports her successor and offered her assistance in the transition.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="350"]
Kim Knight is presented a token of appreciation from the National Guard Association of Kentucky Board President, Col. Robert Hamm during the NGAKY Conference in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 8, 2014. Knight served as the executive director of the association for 10 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
"I feel that James Simms will take the National Guard Association to the next level with his expertise and military experience he brings to the organization."
Simms said he was humbled to take over from such a long-standing tradition in Kentucky and praised Knight's work.
"Kim Knight has put her heart and soul into this association over the last decade to insure it never made a step backwards and was always striving to have us all realize the value of the organization," he said.
Simms believes the lessons he learned from being a warrant officer will help analyze issues and present possible solutions to help the association's board to better the National Guard in Kentucky.
"As the executive director of NGAKY I will face many new challenges and responsibilities. With the changing times facing the nation today, in both the military and in other government agencies, we all must look how we can meet our obligations as tax payers and Soldiers."
"Myself, along with the members of the Board of Directors, will do our best to insure we are good stewards of the associations finances and send a message to our leaders that supports the needs of our Soldiers and Airmen in these uncertain times."
To See more photos from this year's conference, click here.