Ian Hester

Ian Hester is an experienced professional with a diverse background in food distribution, culinary instruction, and military logistics. Currently serving as the Division Director at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture since January 2022, Ian oversees the distribution of USDA commodities to support nutritional well-being in Kentucky. Previous roles include Specialist at Apple, Chef Instructor at Sullivan University, and Support Services Director at Homeplace at Midway, where Ian managed dietary processes for a long-term care facility. Ian's extensive military career in the United States Air Force included leadership positions such as Commander of the 735th Air Mobility Squadron and the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, where strategic management of large teams and budgets was essential. Ian holds a Master of Science in Logistics from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, an Associate of Science in Culinary Science from Sullivan University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Southern Illinois University.