Hutchinson names Baird budget director

File Photo -- Asa Hutchinson meets with staff members Wednesday at his campaign headquarters in Little Rock as the Republican governor-elect began working on his transition with a series of meetings.
File Photo -- Asa Hutchinson meets with staff members Wednesday at his campaign headquarters in Little Rock as the Republican governor-elect began working on his transition with a series of meetings.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson says a key legislative leader will be his budget director after he takes office next year.

Hutchinson on Monday named Republican state Rep. Duncan Baird of Lowell to serve as his budget director. Baird is currently the co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee and ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for state treasurer in May.

Hutchinson also said campaign spokesman J.R. Davis of Fayetteville would serve as his communications director and campaign manager Jon Gilmore of Little Rock would be his deputy chief of staff.

The other positions Hutchinson announced Monday are as follows:

• Betty Guhman of North Little Rock, senior adviser.

• Elizabeth Smith of Little Rock, chief legal counsel.

• Leon Jones Jr. of Fayetteville, director of policy.

• Bruce Campbell of Little Rock, director of appointments.

• Ateca Williams of Conway, director of constituent services.

• Christian Olson of Little Rock, policy adviser.

Hutchinson is a Republican. He defeated Democrat and fellow ex-congressman Mike Ross in the Nov. 4 election and will replace Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe, who is leaving office in January due to term limits. Hutchinson will be inaugurated Jan. 12.

Read Tuesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

Upcoming Events