Kerr To Serve As Insurance Commissioner, Sharp To Stay At Community Correction

Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson said that State Rep. Allen Kerr, R-Little Rock, will serve as Insurance Commissioner in his administration replacing current commissioner Jay Bradford.

Hutchinson also announced that Sheila Sharp will remain as director for the Department of Community Correction. A spokesman for Hutchinson confirmed that Heath Abshure will not remain as director of the state Securities Department.

“I am pleased to announce Rep. Allen Kerr as my new Insurance Commissioner. 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.”

Kerr served 6 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.

“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.”

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

Hutchinson has not named a replacement for Abshure at the Securities Department.