FRANKFORT, KY - A former high-ranking officer at Fort Knox has been appointed executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs.

Retired Col. David E. Thompson is Gov. Steve Beshear's choice to head the commission.

Thompson replaces retired Col. Mark Needham, who left the post for the private sector.

Thompson said Wednesday he'll work to strengthen the state's ties to the military and contribute to economic growth.

His military career included command of the 194th Armored Brigade at Fort Knox, a position he held for two years until he retired from active duty in 2011. At Fort Knox, he was responsible for the initial training of more than 25,000 personnel, as well as moving the brigade to Fort Benning, Ga. He began his career by enlisting in the Army National Guard in 1983.