Prior to Tuesday’s Harlan County Fiscal Court meeting, Judge/Executive Dan Mosley announced that Deputy Judge Executive Colby Goss will be leaving his position to become the next assistant city manager for the city of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mosley also announced he has selected Harlan County native Brandon Robinson, the current WYMT-TV executive producer and forecaster, and former director of media and communications for Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College as Goss’ successor.

“Colby Goss has been a valuable asset to our administration. He’s been my right hand for the last four years. We’ve become great friends as well. I don’t like losing him but am beyond excited for him and his family for this new chapter in their lives,” said Mosley. “The city of Gulf Breeze has made a great choice to place Colby in this role in their city government. Colby is a true professional; he puts his heart and soul into his work, and treats the public with respect. Harlan County is going to miss him.”

“The decision to leave Harlan for Gulf Breeze was not an easy one. My family and I love Harlan County and it will always be home to us,” said Goss.

Mosley credits Goss with championing multiple grant projects that resulted in the county receiving funding for Emergency Medical Services, a skate park and the AML Pilot project currently underway in Lynch just to name a few.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as Judge Mosley’s Deputy Judge Executive for the last four years. Local government truly is a team effort, from the leadership of Judge Mosley and the Harlan County Fiscal Court to the employees who carry out the day to day operations of county government. Thank you to all for allowing me to be part of your team,” said Goss.

“He’s been a prolific grant writer. Some grants you get. Some you don’t. He works tirelessly on these things and we have to keep this avenue of county government viable as we move forward to fund the things we need and want,” said Mosley.

Mosley introduced Robinson as the next Deputy Judge Executive on Tuesday as well. Robinson is a Cumberland native, graduating from Cumberland High School in 2001, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in 2003 and Morehead State University in 2006. Robinson has been a staple in the Harlan County Community for nearly two decades, volunteering and raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Tri-City Empty Stocking Fund. He will begin his new role in county government on August 30.

“Brandon and I have worked closely together in many capacities for years. He’s someone I respect, trust and have a tremendous amount of confidence in. I know he will do outstanding in this position and am excited to add him to our outstanding team that serves Harlan County,” said Mosley.

“I have been committed to serving the public my entire life and I’m thrilled and humbled that I can take my talents to my home county and serve as your Deputy Judge Executive,” said Robinson. “When Judge-Executive Mosley contacted me about the position, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.’

Mosley said that he and Goss started talking about this opportunity that had arisen around the first week of June. He said he learned that Goss had made a final decision near the end of June to accept the position.

“I began thinking about who would be the best fit. I wanted someone who would treat the people that walk through our doors with dignity and respect. I wanted someone who was community minded, would mesh well with existing staff, and has a great ability to write for grant purposes. Last, but not least, I wanted someone who has an intense work ethic, is dependable, honest, and loves Harlan County. Brandon checks all of those boxes,” said Mosley.

Mosley also thanked WYMT Station manager Neil Middleton, also a Harlan County native, for allowing him to discuss the position with Robinson.