Governor-elect

Gov.-elect Sanders names Jacob Oliva of Florida to education post

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Dec. 29) she would nominate Jacob Oliva of Florida as Arkansas’ next Secretary of Education. He will replace Johnny Key, the current education secretary.

Oliva is the senior chancellor for the Florida Department of Education and was a former teacher, principal, and superintendent in Flagler County, Fla., where he was hailed as a progressive and innovate educator and helped improve the district’s student achievement rankings.

“Education is the foundation for success, and, with my nominee for Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jacob Oliva, we are ready to transform Arkansas education with bold reforms that will empower every kid to succeed,” Sanders said. “Jacob’s proven success increasing student achievement and his experience serving in many educational roles will make him an asset to my administration. Through my Arkansas LEARNS plan, we will expand access to quality education for every kid growing up in our state, empower parents, not government bureaucrats, and prepare students for the workforce, not government dependency, so everyone has a shot at a better life right here in Arkansas.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/12/gov-elect-sanders-names-jacob-oliva-of-florida-to-education-post/

Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announces her Education Secretary pick, Jacob Oliva.

Gov.-elect Sanders names Joseph Wood to lead Department of Transformation and Shared Services

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

Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Friday (Dec. 30) her intention to nominate Washington County Judge Joseph Wood as Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

Wood is completing his second term as Washington County Judge after an unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor in 2022. He previously served in the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.

Prior to public service, Wood was head of international recruitment for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and previously served as assistant director of recruitment for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-elect-sanders-names-joseph-wood-to-lead-department-of-transformation-and-shared-services/

Arkansas governor-elect Sanders announces transition team

KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff

Attorney Kevin Crass will lead the transition team for Governor-elect Sarah Sanders, she announced in a statement on Thursday.

Crass is a senior partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP in Little Rock. He will serve as executive director of the transition, which includes nine other staff members.

“Kevin Crass has been a trusted friend and accomplished attorney for many years, and I am pleased to announce that he has agreed to serve as the Executive Director of the transition,” Sanders said. “Kevin brings significant knowledge and relationships to this role, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to help me be ready to assume the role of governor on day one and begin taking our state to the top. Kevin will also be assisted in this important work by several individuals who were a part of our historic victory on election night and who bring their own incredible experiences and expertise. There is a lot of work to do and a short time to do it, but this team will get it done.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-11-10/arkansas-governor-elect-sanders-announces-transition-team

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders submitting paperwork on Feb. 22, 2022 to run for governor of Arkansas.