Association Of Arkansas Counties Announces Policy Team Changes

The trade group representing Arkansas county government announced a new hire and shift in job responsibilities.

Josh Curtis has been named governmental affairs director of the Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC). Curtis will serve as liaison to the Circuit Clerks Association of Arkansas and the Arkansas Collectors Association.

Curtis currently serves as legislative and agency liaison for Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a role in which he advises the governor on legislative matters focused on health care. He also is in charge of communication on a variety of topics between the governor’s office and many state agencies.

“My time with Governor Hutchinson’s administration has been a personal privilege and a professional honor that I will always treasure,” Curtis said. “Working in the robust atmosphere of the governor’s office has prepared me to join the Association of Arkansas Counties. I am excited about the opportunity to join the AAC and work to improve county government.”

Curtis previously served as a legislative liaison for the Secretary of State’s office, as director of governmental affairs for the Office of Lieutenant Governor, and in the Commissioner of State Lands office.

Curtis is also a justice of the peace on the Saline County Quorum Court, where he serves as chairman of the Human Resource Committee and co-chairman of the Finance Committee.

“Josh’s experience in constitutional state offices and county government will serve county officials well,” said Chris Villines, AAC executive director. “He is a dedicated professional who has built an expansive network in the state. We expect him to excel in his next career path here at AAC. We think he is a wonderful fit on our team, and I know he is eager to get to work for Arkansas counties.”

The AAC also announced that it will add legislative director to Scott Perkins’ role. Perkins joined the association as its communications director in October 2011.

“Scott has proven to be an effective communicator and leader at his time at AAC,” said Chris Villines, AAC executive director. “He performed well during the session organizing and devising strategies with our legislative team and we’re excited about this official transition.”

Perkins previously was publisher of The Paragould Daily Press. He has worked in Arkansas daily newspapers for 10 years, including editor positions in Russellville and Stuttgart.

In addition to leading the communications effort at AAC, he has served as the Arkansas County Clerks Association liaison and helped lead the legislative policy team during the 90th Arkansas General Assembly.