Leon Jones named as new director for Arkansas Fair Housing Commission

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has named Leon Jones, former director of the Arkansas Department of Labor, as the new executive director for the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. Secretary-Designate of the Department of Inspector General Elizabeth Smith made the announcement with Hutchinson.

Carol Johnson, who has served as Arkansas Fair Housing Commission executive director for 14 years, is stepping down June 30 to pursue another career opportunity. Jones will assume the role on July 1.

“Leon has been an integral part of my administration from day one, and he has served the state well for the past four years as the director of the Arkansas Department of Labor,” Hutchinson said. “Today, I’m delighted to announce that he will be the new executive director for the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. Leon’s background in the housing sector, in addition to his experience as an attorney and small-business owner, will serve him and the people of Arkansas well in this new role.”

“I also want to thank Carol Johnson for her nearly two decades of service to our state, including the last 14 years she’s served as the executive director of the Fair Housing Commission. I want congratulate her on her new opportunity, and I wish her the best in all future endeavors,” Hutchinson said.

“It is with pleasure that I am accepting the assignment as executive director of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. I have been working in the housing arena since 2007, where I served as a Commissioner of the Fayetteville Housing Authority until 2014. I look forward to the opportunity to get back into a space where I have a passion, and I look forward to working with Secretary-Designate Smith,” Jones said.

“I thank the Governor for the opportunity to have served for four-and-a-half years as Director of the Arkansas Department of Labor. It has been a great learning experience, and I have established many great relationships,” Jones added.