Rutledge names Cox as new chief of staff, Vogelpohl to lead tort reform campaign

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has named Cory Cox of Perryville as her new chief of staff following the departure of Carl Vogelpohl, who has served in that role since the beginning of Rutledge’s term. Arkansans for Jobs and Justice, a coalition of advocates for a tort reform measure, has hired Vogelpohl to manage the committee’s campaign to support the passage of the constitutional amendment SJR8 in Arkansas.

“There is no one better prepared to serve as my chief of staff than Cory Cox,” Rutledge said. “Not only does Cory have many years of experience across state government, but as my legislative director for nearly three years, he has developed strong relationships with members of the general assembly and understands the need for this office to be the top law firm in the state. He has a tremendous work ethic, a desire to serve the public and I am confident he will do an exceptional job leading the team at the office to ensure that we continue to protect Arkansans from criminals, con artists and an overreaching federal government.”

Cox began his career as assistant legal counsel to former Gov. Mike Huckabee before being promoted to deputy chief counsel. Under Huckabee, he formulated policy and legislation, served on the Criminal Code Revision Commission, the Arkansas Crime Information Center Steering Committee and as legislative counsel to the governor during the 2003 legislative session.

He served as chairman of the Education and Training Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Anti-Fraud Task Force and as a subject matter expert in insurance fraud for the National White Collar Crime Center. Cox was a partner in the law firm of Hiland, Thomas and Cox from 2009 until 2011, when he began serving under Commissioner of State Lands John Thurston as staff attorney and legislative affairs liaison. In 2014, he was named managing attorney for the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Policy and Legal Services.

A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Cox obtained his juris doctor from the University Of Arkansas William H. Bowen School Of Law. Cox is a member of the Perryville School Board.

An Arkansas native, Vogelpohl has served as Rutledge’s chief of staff since 2014. His prior public service was as the chief of staff to former congressman and now Lt. Governor Tim Griffin.

“We are excited that Carl has joined our team,” Randy Zook, President & CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and chair of Arkansans for Jobs and Justice said. “He has the right combination of knowledge and experience to lead this important campaign for Arkansas and win next November.”

Prior to joining the Rutledge administration, Vogelpohl served as president of Split Rail Consulting, an Arkansas-based firm he founded in 2004 that provides political campaign strategy, management, analytics, data modeling, and innovative digital engagement for clients. Vogelpohl played a key role advising both Griffin and Rutledge’s successful bids for office, as well as other local and regional races.

“I am looking forward to working with this diverse coalition of leaders as we talk with Arkansans about how crucial the passage of a constitutional amendment for tort reform is for the future of our state,” Vogelpohl said.