Arkansas State Auditor has a new chief of staff

Arkansas State Auditor Andrea Lea has appointed Skot Covert to serve as her chief of staff.

Covert, a Franklin County native, has served as Lea’s communications director for the past two years. Covert facilitated the digital advertising innovation of the Auditor’s Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt as well an overhaul of the office’s disaster response and recovery apparatus. Covert is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and is currently enrolled at Mississippi State University.

“I’m confident in Skot’s ability to continue implementing my vision for an efficient, customer-friendly office. His experience and dedication to efficiencies and transformation have prepared him for this role,” Lea said.

Additionally, Lea promoted Melanie Wilson to manager of the accounting and warrants departments. Wilson previously served as accounting manager.

Covert and Wilson will assume their new roles Nov. 1. Covert will continue to manage the auditor’s communications.