Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a series of appointments to various commissions and boards across Arkansas, continuing her efforts to fill critical positions with dedicated and experienced individuals. These new appointments span a wide array of sectors, from early childhood education to economic development and public health, as well as enhancing the state’s commitment to diversity, education, and community engagement.
Among the appointments is Dr. Jason Williams, who has been named to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Dr. Williams, a Little Rock resident, will serve a term expiring on June 30, 2027, and replaces Elizabeth Waldrum in this vital role that focuses on improving early childhood education programs in the state. As part of his responsibilities, Dr. Williams will work to strengthen Arkansas’s efforts in providing young children with the best possible start in life, an area of growing importance to both educators and families.
In the realm of economic development, Sam Russell from Bentonville has been appointed to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. His term will run through January 14, 2027, replacing John Schmelzle. Russell brings valuable experience from his background in business and local development, positioning him to help foster economic growth across Arkansas by attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones in the state.
The Governor has also made key appointments to the Arkansas Ethics Commission, with Blake Flemister, a Little Rock resident, filling a previously vacant seat. Flemister will serve a term through December 31, 2026, and will be tasked with overseeing ethical standards within Arkansas’s political and public sectors, ensuring transparency and accountability in state government.
Another significant appointment is Bailey Taylor to the Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission. Filling a previously vacant position, Taylor, also from Little Rock, will join the commission tasked with managing water resource issues along the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, an ongoing concern in the region.
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission will see Tracey Rancifer-Rittlemeyer of Little Rock take a seat, replacing Tony Moore. Rancifer-Rittlemeyer’s term will extend through December 31, 2027. In this role, she will help regulate the real estate industry in Arkansas, ensuring compliance with state laws and fostering a fair and ethical housing market.
Public health in the state is set to benefit from the appointments of two new members to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Dr. Kenneth Bruce Jones of Jonesboro, whose term runs through December 31, 2030, will replace Dr. John Scribner. Additionally, Dr. Josh Roller of Fayetteville has been appointed to a previously vacant position on the board, also serving through 2030. The Arkansas State Medical Board plays a crucial role in overseeing the state’s medical professionals, ensuring that the highest standards of care are maintained across the state.
In an effort to bolster Arkansas’s dedication to understanding and preserving its Black history, Governor Sanders has appointed several new members to the Black History Commission. Daion Daniels of Fayetteville joins the commission with a term set to expire on January 14, 2032, replacing Jesse Hargrove. Joseph Wood, also from Fayetteville, has been named to a previously vacant position, with his term expiring on January 14, 2026. Additionally, Linda Chesterfield from Little Rock will serve on the commission with a term running through January 14, 2028, filling another vacant seat. These appointments reflect the state’s ongoing commitment to educating the public on the rich and diverse history of its Black community.
Further enhancing education and representation, Representative Bruce Cozart of Hot Springs has been appointed to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education. His term will expire on June 30, 2028, replacing Representative Brian Evans. Cozart will contribute to shaping the direction of educational programs in Arkansas, ensuring that the state’s academic standards continue to evolve with the changing needs of students.
Governor Sanders also made several appointments to various educational and retirement systems. Larry Walther from Little Rock was named to the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System. His term runs until March 9, 2031, and he replaces Candace Franks in this important role overseeing the state’s public retirement programs.
Carole Farmer of Fayetteville joins the Board of Trustees for the Arkansas State University System, bringing her experience and leadership to a term that will last until January 14, 2032. She replaces Christy Clark in overseeing the academic and operational integrity of the state’s university system. Additionally, Iverson Jackson from Little Rock has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University, filling a vacancy and serving until January 14, 2030.
In a move aimed at improving the construction industry’s standards, Governor Sanders has appointed David Sloan of Rogers and Matthew McKinley Stewart of Shirley to the Contractors Licensing Board. Their terms will run through December 31, 2027, with both replacing previous members. This board ensures that contractors adhere to licensing and regulatory requirements in order to maintain safety and quality standards within the industry.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will also see changes with two new appointments: June Wood from Fayetteville, who replaces Derek Scott with a term expiring September 1, 2028, and Kenneth “Muskie” Harris from Little Rock, who takes over for Gerald Canada with a term set to expire in September 2026. These appointments will help further the commission’s work in honoring the legacy of Dr. King and promoting social justice initiatives across the state.
Finally, the War Memorial Stadium Commission will gain Steve Deere from Benton, who has been appointed to a term expiring January 14, 2032. Deere will replace Daryl Coker, overseeing the operations and future development of one of the state’s most prominent sports venues.
These appointments represent Governor Sanders’ continued effort to ensure that Arkansas is governed by a diverse group of qualified individuals who bring expertise and a commitment to service across various sectors. By filling these key positions, Sanders is making sure the state’s commissions and boards are well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
