Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson announced top staff members today. They include outgoing Rep. Duncan Baird, who was House co-chair of Joint Budget, as budget director. Baird had run unsuccessfully for the state treasurer’s job won by Dennis Milligan.

Other notables include Bruce Campbell, Baird’s father-in-law and a perennial state employee, most recently as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Mark Darr. Campbell stayed on in the position for six months after Darr resigned in an expense account abuse scandal. Michael Lamoureux, then president of the Senate, provided for the extended employment for Campbell and other members of Darr’s staff. Campbell worked on state pay until July 1 and then was added to a paid position on Hutchinson’s campaign staff.

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Hutchinson named Lamoureux his chief of staff shortly after his election and he’s already on the state payroll leading the transition.

The announcement:

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Jon Gilmore of Little Rock
Deputy Chief-of-Staff
Jon previously served as Campaign Manager for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

Betty Guhman of North Little Rock
Senior Advisor
Betty previously has served as Chief-of-Staff to former Congressman Asa Hutchinson; as well as a Senior Official for the DEA and Department of Homeland Security.

Elizabeth Smith of Little Rock
Chief Legal Counsel
Elizabeth is currently Associate General Counsel for the University of Arkansas System.

Leon Jones, Jr. of Fayetteville
Director of Policy
Leon is an attorney, a graduate of UAPB and a native of Pine Bluff. He previously served as the Minority Outreach Coordinator for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

J.R. Davis of Fayetteville
Communications Director
J.R. previously served as Communications Director and Spokesman for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

Bruce Campbell of Little Rock
Director of Appointments
Bruce previously served as Political Director for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

Duncan Baird of Lowell
Budget Director
Duncan is a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives where he serves as Chairman of the Joint Budget Committee.

Ateca Williams of Conway
Director of Constituent Services
Ateca previously served as Director of Special Projects for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

Christian Olson of Little Rock
Policy Advisor
Christian previously served as Director of Policy for the Asa for Governor Campaign.

Governor-Elect Hutchinson issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce additional members of my senior staff. These individuals are not only hardworking, but they bring a substantive amount of knowledge and experience to their respective positions. I have no doubt my administration and the people of Arkansas will benefit greatly from these qualities.”

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