ARC Executive Director Thomas Hunter Retires after 20 Years of Distinguished Service February 2014

ARC Executive Director Thomas Hunter was honored by the 13 Appalachian governors for his service to the Commission and to the Appalachian Region at ARC's February 23, 2014, governors' quorum meeting in Washington, D.C. Shown with Hunter are ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl (right) and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, who serves as the Commission's 2014 states' co-chair. (Photo by Ann Hawthorne)

WASHINGTON, February 27, 2014—The executive director of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Thomas M. Hunter, has announced his retirement after 20 years of service to the Commission and the people of the Appalachian Region.

At the Commission's annual governors' quorum meeting on February 23 in Washington, D.C., ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, ARC's 2014 states' co-chair, praised Hunter for his many accomplishments as they presented him with a plaque from the 13 Appalachian governors honoring him for his service.

The plaque cited Hunter for "20 years of distinguished and visionary service as the executive director of the Appalachian Regional Commission, in which you guided the Commission through modernization, set an example of integrity and professionalism that enhanced its reputation, and showed a profound care and concern for the Region and its people that inspired all those who worked with you and knew you."

The Commission has set up a search committee to begin the process of finding a replacement for Hunter.