Sandra Cawyer to lead Arkansas Assessment Coordination Division

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Larry Walther announced Tuesday (July 7) that Sandra Cawyer has joined DFA as Director of the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Division (ACD).

Prior to joining DFA, Cawyer served as Columbia County Assessor for nine years. She replaces Bear Chaney, who recently retired.

ACD works closely with county assessors to promote and oversee fair, equitable and uniform property tax treatment for all taxpayers, local government officials, and school districts across the state.

Cawyer began her career in county government in 1999. During her career, she has completed more than 200 hours of appraisal classes and has been awarded with the designation of Senior Appraiser from the State of Arkansas.

“I am very impressed with Sandra’s positive leadership style and technical knowledge,” said Walther. “She will continue the great work of ACD while focusing on customer service and county outreach.”

She was named Assessor of the year in Arkansas in 2015. In 2017, she received the Kenneth Eddy Memorial Award from the Assessor’s Association and a Career Achievement Award from South Arkansas Women’s Network. Cawyer serves on the Executive Board of the Arkansas Assessor’s Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Arkansas Counties.

“While Arkansans may associate DFA with our Revenue Offices, ACD also has an impact on millions of Arkansans each year,” said DFA Commissioner of Revenue Charlie Collins. “Accurate assessments ensure school districts throughout the state are properly funded. If assessments are inaccurate and inconsistent, school districts feel the consequences. Sandra understands this and brings a thorough understanding and knowledge of the process to ACD.”