Duncan Baird, Elizabeth Smith Named To New Posts By Governor

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday named two members of his staff to new posts in his administration.

Elizabeth Smith, who worked as the chief legal counsel to Hutchinson, was named Medicaid Inspector General while Budget Director Duncan Baird was named state Budget Administrator for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

In statements released Thursday, Hutchinson said both Smith and Baird have provided leadership in their current jobs and will do more in their new opportunities.

“Given her background in healthcare law and as a former prosecutor, Elizabeth is a perfect fit as the next Medicaid Inspector General,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “She has been an invaluable member of our team as my legal counsel, and I know she will do a great job in her new role, which is critical to Arkansas.”

“I appreciate Duncan’s work as we crafted our first budget and worked with the legislature to enact it into law,” Hutchinson said. “In his new role, he’ll continue to play a critical part in both the budget process and our efforts to reform state government.”

Smith has more than two decades of experience practicing law, including more than 15 years combined as a prosecutor and later as associate general counsel for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Smith served as deputy prosecuting attorney under Larry Jegley for the 6th Judicial District. She also served as an assistant attorney general of Arkansas under Mike Beebe and with the firm of Mitchell Williams Selig Gates and Woodyard, specializing in healthcare.

Baird was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2009 until he was term-limited in 2015, where he served as the House chairman of the Joint Budget Committee.

Before being elected to the legislature, Baird was in the investment industry, working as a licensed securities trader for Arvest bank in Northwest Arkansas. He holds a degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Arkansas.

Both Baird and Smith said they were excited about the new opportunities.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of the Governor’s staff through the transition and the regular session,” Baird said. “I look forward to the opportunity to put my budget experience to work as part of the team at DFA.”

“I’m honored and appreciative of the trust the Governor has placed in me,” Smith said. “It’s been a privilege to serve as his legal counsel, and I am eager to take on this new challenge to best serve the people of Arkansas.”