Gov. Beebe Names Charles Robinson To Treasurer’s Post

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) named Charles Robinson, the former director of the Division of Legislative Audit, to serve out the remainder of State Treasurer Martha Shoffner’s term.

Robinson, a former CPA, worked for Legislative Audit for 34 years, serving 24 years as its director. He holds an accounting degree from Arkansas Tech University and an MBA from the University of Arkansas.

“Charlie’s name is synonymous with integrity in Arkansas government,” Beebe said. “His long tenure of steady leadership is a big reason the Division of Legislative Audit has the sterling reputation it maintains today. I have no doubt that he will bring those same virtues to his tenure as Treasurer.”

Shoffner, a Democrat, resigned from her position last week after being arrested by federal authorities on charges of extortion.

Robinson, 66, who retired from Legislative Audit six years ago, will serve as Treasurer until January 2015.  He will be sworn in Wednesday afternoon in the Arkansas Supreme Court chamber.

He cannot run for election as Treasurer and said he wouldn’t have any interest in running for office beyond the current term he is being appointed to.

Robinson said his first efforts would be to sit down with employees in the Treasurer’s office and get a game plan for improving the work environment in the office.

At the same time, he also said he would review the office procedures for investments that have been at the root of legislative scrutiny.

“It will be done simultaneously,” said Robinson. ” We will address it.”