Jake Bleed appointed state’s new budget director

Gov. Asa Hutchinson named a new state budget director Friday (March 29).

Hutchinson and Larry Walther, who is head of the state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), announced the appointment of Jake Bleed as the state’s top accountant, effective Monday (April 1).

Bleed has worked as director of fiscal and agency operations in the governor’s office since July 2017. He’s also worked as DFA’s communications administrator.

“Jake distinguished himself as a leader in all matters related to the state budget,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “Through his work in our office, he developed relationships with legislators, agency directors and fiscal officers throughout state government. Those relationships, along with an extensive understanding of the budget, make this a smart, seamless transition to DFA. I applaud Director Walther’s decision and look forward to continuing to work closely with Jake in his new role.”

Bleed is replacing Duncan Baird, who will join the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) on Monday as executive director.

Bleed is a licensed attorney and attended the UALR Bowen School of Law. He has a degree in economics from Kalamazoo College.