Gov.-elect Hutchinson names more key members to administration

Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson (R) made several key appointments to his upcoming administration. Brigadier Gen. Mark Berry was named as the 52nd Adjutant General of Arkansas, Rep. Allen Kerr will be the new Insurance Commissioner, and Sheila Sharp will remain the director for the Department of Community Correction.

Berry’s career spans more than 40 years, including more than 20 years of active-duty service. In 1992, after completing his active-duty service, Berry joined the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith where he served until his appointment as Chief of Staff, Arkansas Air National Guard in 2012.

Berry enlisted in the Air Force in 1974, attended Officer Training School in 1985, and has been stationed in Nevada, Oklahoma, South Korea, and Arkansas. This is the first time in recalled history that Arkansas’s Adjutant General has been appointed from the Air Force.

“It is my pleasure to announce Brig. Gen. Mark Berry as the new Adjutant General of Arkansas. Brig. Gen. Berry is a principled leader who, over the course of his 40 year career, has served our state and country – at home and overseas – with honor and integrity. Those traits, accompanied with his experience and extensive knowledge of Arkansas and our military, make him the obvious choice for this new role,” Hutchinson said.

Berry’s appointment was praised by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers.

“I applaud Governor-Elect Hutchinson’s appointment. His selection of an Air Guardsman to lead the Arkansas Guard is a reflection of the joint nature of today’s military, and I am wholeheartedly confident in General Berry’s ability to be an effective commander during this time of great uncertainty in the Guard,” Womack said in a statement.

Former Rep. Kerr served six years in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He has 34 years of insurance experience with a background in financial services, where he holds several professional licenses.

“Along with his experience in the legislature and his breadth of knowledge in the insurance industry, Allen will also bring with him a fresh look at the department,” Hutchinson said of the appointment.

Sharp has worked in state government almost 40 years and has more than 15 years experience with the state prison system. She has served as director for the Department of Community Correction since August 2013.

“Sheila has done an outstanding job in her current role as director at the Department of Community Correction. As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical this role is to our law enforcement community, and I have no doubt she will continue to serve the department and the people of Arkansas well,” Hutchinson said.

Gov.-elect Hutchinson’ inauguration is set for 10:30 a.m., Jan. 13, in the chamber of the Arkansas House of Representatives.