LITTLE ROCK — Former state Sen. Randy Laverty has been appointed as commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, the Arkansas Department of Career Education announced Wednesday.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is a division of the Department of Career Education and provides opportunities for Arkansans with disabilities.
Laverty “brings to the position a broad range of experience and leadership that will enhance and expand the services provided by ARS,” department director Bill Walker said in a statement.
Laverty will receive a salary of $109,000.53, the agency said.
Laverty served in the House from 1995 to 2001 and in the Senate from 2003 until his term ended earlier this month.
The former lawmaker replaces Randy Parker, who served as an interim commissioner after Robert Trevino shifted jobs to associate director for program planning, development and evaluation for the agency, according to the statement.
Laverty previously served as director of the Department of Human Services’ Social Services Division for Newton County in 1975, and in 1982 was appointed assistant director of field operations for the division, overseeing 17 counties.
In 1985, Laverty was named assistant director for the department’s County Operations Division, a position he held for eight years.
He has also held the title of executive director of the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association from 2001-09 and is now the group’s resource development director.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 01/18/2013