Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday announced a series of appointments to boards and commissions across the state, filling vacancies and reappointing members to key roles.
Several appointments were made to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Jeffery Hagar of Sherwood and Phillip Pate of Little Rock were appointed to terms expiring January 14, 2032, replacing Mike Reynolds and Barry Phillips. Thomas Marsh of Fort Smith was reappointed to the commission for a term ending on the same date.
The governor also named three individuals to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Donna Massengill of Harrisburg will serve a term expiring March 1, 2028, replacing Deborah Mays. Leslie Sharp of Prairie Grove was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2028, replacing Shelli Henehan. Susan Templeton of Rogers was appointed to fill a previously vacant position, with a term expiring June 30, 2027.
Appointments were also announced for the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Matt Cashion of Little Rock and Robin Bugg of Fort Smith were appointed to previously vacant positions, with terms expiring April 1, 2028, and April 1, 2030. Derek Bouslough of Austin will serve a term expiring April 1, 2029, replacing Maurice Henry.
Two individuals were selected for the Arkansas History Commission. Phillip McMath of Little Rock was appointed to a term expiring January 14, 2030, filling a vacant position, while Ray Hanley of Little Rock will serve through January 14, 2031, replacing Heather Nelson.
The Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board received three appointments. Gary Horton of Hensley and Francois Van Der Watt of Greenwood were reappointed, with terms expiring September 1, 2027, and September 1, 2028. Steve Tricarico of Jonesboro was appointed to a term ending September 1, 2026, replacing Gregory Armstrong.
Two appointments were made to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Jason Wallace of Jonesboro and Katelynn Rougeau of Little Rock were both selected to fill previously vacant positions, with terms expiring October 1, 2026, and October 1, 2029.
The Auctioneer’s Licensing Board also saw four appointments. Tony Watson of Melbourne was named to a term expiring April 15, 2027, replacing John Hutchcraft. Nicky Fowler of Glenwood was reappointed to a term ending April 15, 2028. Roy Ragland of Marshall was appointed to a term expiring April 15, 2029, replacing Allen Robertson. Tyler Payton of Heber Springs will serve through April 15, 2028, replacing Johnny Mitchum.
On the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Martin Eggensperger of Pocahontas was appointed to a term expiring January 14, 2029, filling a vacant position. Andrew Goodman of Greenbrier will serve through January 14, 2030, replacing Lillie Lane. Russ Martin of Little Rock was appointed to a term expiring January 14, 2028, replacing Seth Mims.
Five appointments were announced for the Board of Division of State Services for the Blind. Mollie Hernandez of Searcy and Judy Ricci of Little Rock will serve terms expiring June 30, 2029, replacing James Henry and Theresa Petrey. Tiffany Moore of Sherwood, Dr. Ernie Huff of Benton, and Roy DePriest of North Little Rock were each appointed to terms ending June 30, 2027, replacing Tyrone Williams, Erika Evans, and Keith Clark.
The governor also made several appointments to the State Board of Health. Allison Gonzalez of Bentonville and Shane Speights of Jonesboro were appointed to previously vacant positions, with terms expiring December 31, 2028. Jill Flaxman of Little Rock will serve through December 31, 2027, replacing Darren Flamik. Jerry Martin of Greenbrier and Jake Keet of Little Rock were appointed to terms ending December 31, 2029, replacing Lane Crider and Clay Waliski. Blake Torres of Benton was reappointed to a term expiring December 31, 2029, and Shannon Pate of Little Rock was appointed to a term ending December 31, 2028, replacing Jesse Ragland.
These appointments fill a range of roles across state government, supporting oversight, regulation, and advisory functions in public safety, health, education, and economic development.