Gov. Sanders names Renee Mallory as Secretary of Health

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders made a second cabinet appointment this week when she named Renee Mallory as Secretary of Health on Tuesday (Aug. 8). Mallory has been serving as interim secretary since the Hutchinson administration appointed her in May 2022.

On Monday, Sanders named Jim Hudson as Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration after Larry Walther was appointed Treasurer of State following the death of Mark Lowery.

“Renee Mallory has done an excellent job leading the Department of Health as the Interim Secretary – and today, I am proud to announce that she will serve as the permanent Secretary. Her 34 years of service at the Department of Health have prepared her to excel in this role. She is the highly qualified, experienced leader we need at the helm as we work together to improve and protect the health of all Arkansans,” Sanders said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/08/gov-sanders-names-renee-mallory-as-secretary-of-health/

Sanders to Appoint Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer to the Arkansas State Medical Board

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that she will appoint Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer to the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Dr. Wesley Kluck will replace Dr. Sylvia Simon, and his term will expire on December 31, 2028. Dr. Matthew Sellers will replace Dr. Rhys Branman, and his term will expire on December 31, 2028. Dr. Michael Birrer will fulfill the remaining term of Dr. Robert Breving, and his term will expire on December 31, 2026.

“Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer are proven, successful physicians who have improved the lives of Arkansans across the state with their work, and today, I am proud to be appointing them to the Arkansas State Medical Board,” Sanders said. “Together, we will make sure that under my leadership Arkansas will never have COVID mask and vaccine mandates or shutdowns – because my administration stands for freedom. I am confident that they will excel in these new roles by ensuring that every Arkansan receives a high standard of care and our physicians operate with professionalism and integrity.”

Dr. Wesley Kluck Bio: 

Dr. Wesley Kluck is the university physician at Ouachita Baptist University and serves as a pediatrician and the president of Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults. He is a graduate of Arkadelphia Public Schools and Ouachita Baptist University and earned his M.D. at the University of Arkansas Medical School. He completed his pediatric residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he received the “Excellence in Primary Care” award.

He was named to Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders 2022 and was the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce “Person of the Year” in 2021. He has received the “Best Doctors in Arkansas” award every year since 1999. 

Dr. Matthew Sellers Bio: 

Dr. Sellers is a graduate of Bryant High School and the University of Central Arkansas. He obtained his medical degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Sellers is a Board-Certified OB-GYN with a clinical emphasis on OB-GYN and gynecological surgery.

Dr. Sellers has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology at Cornerstone Clinic for Women in Little Rock, Arkansas, since 2008. He lives in Little Rock with his wife and three children. An active member of his church, Dr. Sellers and his family are passionate about serving the community and the world. When he’s not working, Dr. Sellers enjoys spending time with his family, biking, hunting, playing tennis and traveling. 

Dr. Michael Birrer Bio: 

Dr. Birrer is the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Vice Chancellor and Director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Dr. Birrer earned his undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a BS in Biology. He was accepted into the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his MD and PhD in 1982 with his principle area of study in microbiology and immunology. He then performed a medical internship and residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Dr. Birrer entered the medical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland and upon completion performed a postdoctoral on the molecular genetics of lung cancer. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Birrer joined the faculty at the NCI in the Division of Cancer Treatment as an investigator in 1988. Three years later, Dr. Birrer was appointed as a senior investigator and established the molecular mechanism section in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. 

Dr. Birrer is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in gynecologic oncology. He has published over 400 peer reviewed manuscripts and another 30 book chapters and review articles. 

In November 2008, Dr. Birrer was appointed Professor of Medicine at the Harvard School of Medicine. In August 2017, Dr. Birrer accepted the position of Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While there, he was a Professor of Medicine, Pathology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the recipient of the Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology. During his tenure, Dr Birrer raised over 40 million dollars in philanthropic funds including a 30 million dollar gift to name the Cancer Center. In addition, during this time he designed and open the first cancer service line at UAB.

Gov. Sanders appoints David Haak to Arkansas Highway Commission

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Jan. 26) that she will appoint David Haak to serve as a member of the Arkansas Highway Commission. His term will expire on January 14, 2033.

Haak, a former GOP State Representative from Texarkana, will replace Robert Moore, former Democratic Speaker of the House from Arkansas City.

“Today, I will be appointing David Haak to serve on the Arkansas Highway Commission – someone who will play a critical role in bringing new, high paying jobs to the state while improving the quality of life for all Arkansans,” Sanders said. “David’s lifetime of public service, community involvement, and strong leadership will make him an asset to the commission – and I am confident that together we will ensure that U.S. Highway 82 finally becomes a four-lane interstate, unleashing south Arkansas’ full economic potential.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-sanders-appoints-david-haak-to-arkansas-highway-commission/

Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Appointments

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the following appointments:

Dr. Jerrod Anderson, Batesville, to the Health Services Permit Commission. Appointment Expires April 9, 2025. Replaces Dr. Jason Richey.

Thomas Gilder, Springdale, to the Health Services Permit Commission. Appointment expires April 9, 2024. Replaces Janie Pugsley.

Eric Bell, Little Rock, to the Health Services Permit Commission. Appointment expires April 9, 2024. Reappointment.

Samuel Sellers, Little Rock, to the Health Services Permit Commission. Appointment expires April 9, 2024. Replaces Donna Nelson-Lowe.

Len Cotton, Dardanelle, to the Arkansas Veterans’ Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Greg Brown, Osceola, to the Arkansas Veterans’ Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Dr. Robert Mason, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Veterans’ Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Rusty Guinn, Jonesboro, to the State Board of Collection Agencies. Appointment expires January 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Christina Ellis, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Appointment expires August 17, 2025. Replaces Sherry Chesser.

Paul Garrett, Jacksonville, to the Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor.  New position.

Dwight Witcher, Conway, to the Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor.  New position.

Chris Traxson, Springdale, to the Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor.  New position.

R.D. Kinsey, Sherwood, to the Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor.  New position.

Kendall Lewellen, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2021. Replaces Andrea Walker.

Kerri Michael, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2022. Reappointment.

Dr. Chadwick Rogers, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission. Appointment expires October 15, 2022. Replaces Rodney Nagel.

Joshua Barkhimer, Camden, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires January 15, 2024. Reappointment.

Jack Cotton, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires January 15, 2024. Replaces Scott McKennon.

Katie Hampton, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires January 15, 2024. Replaces Brian Hester.

Julie Matthews, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires January 15, 2024. Replaces Cary Matthews.

Layza Lopez-Love, Springdale, to the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Appointment expires January 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Rhonda Mattox, Roland, to the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Appointment expires January 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Louis Portlock, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Appointment expires January 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Jimmy Jones, Fordyce, to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2028. Reappointment.

Scott Wood, Batesville, to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Replaces Ken Yarbrough.

Dr. Terry DeWitt, Arkadelphia, to the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training. Appointment expires January 14, 2024. Reappointment.

Sherry Riggins, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training. Appointment expires January 14, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Larry Ash, Fayetteville, to the Elevator Safety Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Susan DeBlack, Conway, to the State Board of Optometry. Appointment expires April 26, 2022. Replaces Dr. Herman Ginger.

Dr. Michael Birrer, Little Rock, to the Oversight Committee on Breast Cancer Research. Appointment expires January 1, 2022. Replaces Dr. Laura Hutchins.

Mark Taylor, Hector, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Edward Regenold, Armorel, to the Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority. Appointment expires November 1, 2026. Reappointment.

Russ Thomason, Blytheville, to the Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority. Appointment expires November 1, 2026. Reappointment.

Mike Jacques, Gosnell, to the Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority. Appointment expires November 1, 2022. Replaces Barry Ball.

Dr. Richard Nelson, Fort Smith, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee. Appointment expires July 14, 2024. Replaces Dr. Ronald Martin.

Adriane Travis, Atkins, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee. Appointment expires July 14, 2023. Replaces Tracy Parent.

Dr. Allan Kirkland, Dardanelle, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee. Appointment expires July 14, 2024. Replaces Dr. Christopher Blackmon.

Dr. Rogerich Paylor, Little Rock, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee. Appointment expires July 14, 2023. Reappointment.

Jana Brady, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2021. Reappointment.

Dr. Michael Buffington, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Michele Fincher, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2022. Replaces Martin Eisele.

Hayden Henningsen, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Wendy Poole, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2022. Replaces Lisa McDermott.

Michael Sims, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Replaces Mary Jones.

Dr. Curtis Cunningham, Siloam Springs, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. Appointment expires July 20, 2023. Reappointment.

Stephanie Hollis, Monticello, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. Appointment expires July 20, 2023. Replaces Daisy Duerr.

Marsha Partney, Mountain Home, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. Appointment expires July 20, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Robert Bonner, Nashville, to the Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2025. Replaces Dr. Doug Parker.

Ron Pitts, Hensley, to the Board of the Information Network of Arkansas. Appointment expires December 31, 2022. Reappointment.

Ralph Hudson, North Little Rock, to the Board of the Information Network of Arkansas. Appointment expires December 31, 2022. Reappointment.

Doug Melton, Bella Vista, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires August 1, 2024. Replaces Taylor Wynn.

Marion Foster, Benton, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires August 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Terry Cleaver, Morrilton, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires August 1, 2021. Replaces Dr. John Dennis.

Matthew Charton, Morrilton, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires August 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Rachel Golden, Little Rock, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Carl Miller, Little Rock, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Vernita Morgan, El Dorado, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Replaces Peter Westbrook.

Dr. Emily Beahm, Morrilton, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Replaces Dr. Ann Early.

Kelsey Howard, Springdale, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Replaces Joseph Kelly.

Bob Kempkes, Hot Springs, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Anne Speed, Little Rock, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Replaces Andrijana Vukovich.

Dr. Andrew Beaupre, Pine Bluff, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Replaces Dr. Jamie Brandon.

Joe Cole, Piggott, to the State Review Committee for Historic Preservation. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Replaces Steve Cole.

Andrew Watson, Vilonia, to the Child Welfare Agency Review Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2023. Replaces Edward Appler.

Dr. Beverly Foti, Little Rock, to the Child Welfare Agency Review Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Sanford Tollette, Little Rock, to the Child Welfare Agency Review Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Robert Jordan, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Robert Tillman, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Joseph Beck, Fayetteville, to the Oversight Committee on Breast Cancer Research. Appointment expires January 1, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Rhonda Gentry, Little Rock, to the Oversight Committee on Breast Cancer Research. Appointment expires January 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Randy Fore, Mountain Home, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Louis McGrail, Rogers, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Mark Oyler, Rogers, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Dillard Martin, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2022. Reappointment.

Billy Altom, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Public Transportation Coordination Council. Appointment expires September 20, 2023. Reappointment.

Neil White, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Public Transportation Coordination Council. Appointment expires September 20, 2023. Reappointment.

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Jonathan Askins As State’s Director of Information Systems

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Jonathan Askins as the director of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) Division of Information Systems (DIS). Askins will also serve as the state’s Chief Technology Officer. 

“Jonathan Askins brings a wealth of experience in business and government,” Governor Hutchinson said. “In his career, he has been a team builder, a business developer, a problem solver, and a crisis manager. He’s is everything you look for in a leader, and DIS has great days ahead.” 

Mr. Askins comes to DIS from Acxiom, where as director of Expert Client Management he guided new product strategy in the company’s government business sectors. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Askins worked at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, where he led a cabinet-level task force to encourage investment into Arkansas’ tourism industry. In 2018, Governor Hutchinson appointed Mr. Askins to the state Data Transparency Commission, which he serves as vice chair.

“My wife, Leigh Anna, and I have been blessed by the State of Arkansas though a number of programs that have helped our children and I was thrilled for this opportunity to repay a State that has given us so much,” Mr. Askins said.  

TSS Secretary Amy Fecher, who has worked previously with Mr. Askins, said: “The State of Arkansas is fortunate to have a person with Jonathan’s experience and qualifications join our Department. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jonathan in the past and look forward to his leadership on the TSS team.”  

Askins has more than twenty-five years of experience in business development, operations, contract negotiation, and management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He and his wife, Leigh Anna, live in Scott.