AEDC director hospitalized in ‘serious condition’

story by Roby Brock and Michael Tilley
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Maria Haley, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, remains at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital after becoming ill Friday.

Matt DeCample, spokesman for Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, confirmed that Haley was rushed to UAMS on Friday and remains at the hospital. DeCample said he could not offer specifics on the cause for Haley’s hospitalization.

Leslie Taylor, a spokeswoman for UAMS, confirmed that Haley is a patient and is in “serious condition.”

Haley, appointed by Beebe following his 2006 election as Governor, leads more than 100 employees at the AEDC, and came to the state with extensive national and international experience.

She was born in the Philippines, and educated in India, Pakistan, France and Spain. Her work experience includes senior director for Asia with the Kissinger McLarty Associates (2001-2007); board member with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (1994-1999); special assistant in the Presidential Personnel Office at the White House (January 1993-October 1994); and advisor to Philippine President Gloria Arroyo (2001-2002).

Haley was an official of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission from 1979 to 1992. She was in charge of the Arkansas overseas offices in Brussels, Tokyo and Taipei. She coordinated then Gov. Bill Clinton’s trade and investment missions overseas and was staff advisor to the governor on trade at the National Governors’ Association.