Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson announced Monday (Nov. 24) nine people who will be key members of his staff as he prepares to become the next Arkansas Governor.
Hutchinson defeated former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, in a race that is history making as Hutchinson will be the first Republican governor to preside over a Republican-controlled General Assembly since Reconstruction. Hutchinson won the election with 55.44% of the almost 850,000 votes cast. Ross captured 41.49%.
“I am pleased to announce additional members of my senior staff. These individuals are not only hardworking, but they bring a substantive amount of knowledge and experience to their respective positions. I have no doubt my administration and the people of Arkansas will benefit greatly from these qualities,” Hutchinson said in a statement.
He previously announced that former State Sen. Michael Lamoureux, a Republican from Russellville, would serve as chief of staff.
The positions announced Monday are:
Jon Gilmore of Little Rock, Deputy Chief-of-Staff
Gilmore previously served as Campaign Manager for the Asa for Governor Campaign.
Betty Guhman of North Little Rock, Senior Advisor
Guhman previously has served as Chief-of-Staff to former Congressman Asa Hutchinson; as well as a Senior Official for the DEA and Department of Homeland Security.
Elizabeth Smith of Little Rock, Chief Legal Counsel
Smith is Associate General Counsel for the University of Arkansas System.
Leon Jones, Jr. of Fayetteville, Director of Policy
Jones is an attorney, a graduate of UAPB and a native of Pine Bluff. He previously served as the Minority Outreach Coordinator for the Asa for Governor Campaign.
J.R. Davis of Fayetteville, Communications Director
Davis previously served as Communications Director and Spokesman for the Asa for Governor Campaign. He also served as a spokesman for the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers.
Bruce Campbell of Little Rock, Director of Appointments
Campbell previously served as Political Director for the Asa for Governor Campaign.
Duncan Baird of Lowell, Budget Director
Baird is a term-limited member of the Arkansas House of Representatives where he serves as Chairman of the Joint Budget Committee.
Ateca Williams of Conway, Director of Constituent Services
Williams previously served as Director of Special Projects for the Asa for Governor Campaign.
Christian Olson of Little Rock, Policy Advisor
Olson previously served as Director of Policy for the Asa for Governor Campaign.