Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a series of appointments to various state boards and commissions, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to effective governance and community representation. The new appointees will serve in critical roles, overseeing essential functions in Arkansas, from public safety to economic development.
Among the notable appointments is Alex Blass, who has been reappointed to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, with his term set to expire on January 14, 2032. Lance McAlindon from Centerton will join the Arkansas Economic Development Council, replacing James Smith, and serving until January 14, 2030.
Governor Sanders stated, “These appointments reflect our commitment to ensuring that Arkansas has capable leaders in key positions, dedicated to fostering growth and safety across our communities.”
Key Appointments Overview
The following is a summary of the recent appointments made by Governor Sanders:
- Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: Alex Blass, Rogers, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2032).
- Arkansas Economic Development Council: Lance McAlindon, Centerton, appointed to replace James Smith (Term expires January 14, 2030).
- Arkansas Forestry Commission: Ray Dillon, Little Rock, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2031).
- Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission: Bob Connell, Searcy, appointed to replace Deborah Hoofman (Term expires January 14, 2031); Martin Smith, Cherry Valley, appointed to replace Lucien Gillham (Term expires January 14, 2035).
- Arkansas Real Estate Commission: Suzett Sparks, Rogers, appointed to replace Jerry Halsey (Term expires December 31, 2028); Luke Heffley, Russellville, reappointed (Term expires December 31, 2028).
- Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board: Jennifer James, Newport, appointed to replace Jeff Rutledge (Term expires June 30, 2027).
- Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques: Nick Ortiz, Little Rock, appointed to replace Wendy Poole (Term expires July 31, 2028); Michael Sims, Fayetteville, reappointed (Term expires July 31, 2026); Zach Beavers, Winslow, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires July 31, 2027).
- Arkansas State Police Commission: John Allison, Conway, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2033).
- Auctioneers Licensing Board: Brian Bozza, Hensley, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires April 15, 2030).
- Black History Commission: Joseph Wood, Little Rock, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2033); Muskie Harris, Little Rock, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2032).
- Board of Trustees of Arkansas Tech University: Andrea Lea, Russellville, appointed to replace Bill Clary (Term expires January 14, 2031).
- Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University: Joe Pieratt, Magnolia, appointed to replace Proctor Evers (Term expires January 14, 2031).
- Board of Trustees of the Arkansas State University System: Heather Maxey, Mountain Home, appointed to replace James Eddington (Term expires January 14, 2033).
- Board of Trustees of the State Police Retirement System: Kyle Lane, Paragould, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires July 1, 2028); John Allison, Conway, reappointed (Term expires July 1, 2031).
- Board of Trustees of the University of Central Arkansas: Terry Fiddler, Conway, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2033).
- Crime Victims Reparations Board: Paula Steinsiek, Sherwood, reappointed (Term expires October 5, 2028); Vincent France, Little Rock, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires October 5, 2029).
- Maintain Arkansas Beautiful Commission: Courtney Little, Little Rock, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2032); Holly Wyman, Little Rock, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2031); Allyson De La Houssaye, Bentonville, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2030); Michael Sacomani, Benton, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2031).
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board: Justin Craft, Bono, reappointed (Term expires January 14, 2028).
- State Banking Board: Barry LaFarlette, Jonesboro, appointed to replace Randy Scott (Term expires December 31, 2030).
- State Board of Barber Examiners: Ricky Bryant, North Little Rock, reappointed (Term expires June 30, 2031); Lee Morris, Little Rock, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires June 30, 2027).
- State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services: David Medders, Crossett, reappointed (Term expires July 1, 2030).
- State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission: Johnny Brazil, Russellville, appointed to replace Blair Allen (Term expires January 14, 2032); Stewart Hornor, Stuttgart, appointed to replace Molly Jackson (Term expires January 14, 2032); Harvey Williams, Marianna, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires January 14, 2030); Tyler Griffin, Batesville, appointed to replace Bob Connell (Term expires January 14, 2032).
- State Plant Board: Shane West, Springdale, appointed for a previously vacant position (Term expires August 15, 2028).
- Benton County Quorum Court: Lucas Pointer, Bentonville, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 15 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Carroll County Quorum Court: Gary Capcik, Holiday Island, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 1 (Term expires December 31, 2026); Jack Deaton, Eureka Springs, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 2 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Cleveland County Quorum Court: Patrick Berry, Rison, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 6 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Desha County Quorum Court: David Allen Binns, McGehee, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 9 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Franklin County Quorum Court: Sherrie Sanders, Ozark, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 4 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Montgomery County Quorum Court: Ty Whisenhunt, Mount Ida, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 5 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
- Sevier County Quorum Court: Tim Erwin, Lockesburg, appointed as Justice of the Peace for District 9 (Term expires December 31, 2026).
Looking Ahead
These appointments come at a time when Arkansas is focusing on promoting economic growth and enhancing community welfare. The diverse range of backgrounds among the appointees reflects a commitment to inclusivity and effective governance. As these individuals assume their roles, their efforts will be closely monitored by both the public and state officials, ensuring accountability and progress in their respective areas.
As Governor Sanders continues to shape her administration, the impact of these appointments on Arkansas’ future governance will be significant. Stakeholders and citizens alike are encouraged to engage with their representatives and provide feedback on the directions taken by these appointees.
