Bissett replaces long-time KCA president Bill Caylor, who resigned late last year.

Currently the chief of staff/communications senior vice-president for Marshall University in West Virginia, Bissett has extensive experience in mass media, public relations and marketing. Before Marshall, he was public relations vice-president for Charles Ryan Associates, where he led the Friends of Coal campaign for the agency.

“Bill brings a passion for the coal industry to this position, and I am confident that his passion will be contagious,” association chairman Charlie Wesley said.

“While the current membership of the Kentucky Coal Association represents more than 75 per cent of Kentucky’s annual coal production, the association’s message and efforts benefit every coal producer and end user in the commonwealth. Under Bill’s leadership, the association will become an even stronger unified voice of Kentucky coal’s message.”

Added Bissett, “I am excited and energized at this great opportunity to play a role in advancing Kentucky coal, the low-cost electricity generation that it provides, and the critical manufacturing and other related job opportunities across the state that are dependent upon the success of Kentucky coal.”