Gov.-elect Sanders to keep Wes Ward as Agriculture Secretary

A lot of changes will come when Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes office at the beginning of next year, but at least one thing will remain the same. Sanders announced Monday (Dec. 12) that she will reappoint Wes Ward as the secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

“As the current Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward has done an excellent job growing our largest industry and developing relationships with the men and women who work in agriculture, and I am excited that he will continue in this critical role for our state,” Sanders said. “He’s also done this work over the last seven years while continuing to serve our nation in uniform, giving credence to his character and dedication. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas’ economy, and I am proud that our hardworking Arkansas farmers, ranchers, growers, and foresters help feed and supply the state, nation, and world. As governor, we will work together to ensure that we remain a global leader.”

Ward is serving as the third Secretary of Agriculture for Arkansas. He was appointed to the position in March 2015 by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He also serves as the Second Vice President for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

“I look forward to continuing to invest in our strong, dynamic agriculture industry as the Secretary of Agriculture,” Ward said. “Governor-elect Sanders shares my deep appreciation for how important agriculture is to our state, and we will work together to continue to see it grow to new heights.”

Ward is from Lake City in Northeast Arkansas and is a graduate of Riverside High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in Agricultural Finance from Arkansas State University. He also earned a law degree (JD), a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in Agricultural and Food Law, and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas.

Ward has served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 22 years and has completed deployments and exercises in Afghanistan, Jordan, and Japan. He is serving in the Marine Corps Reserves as a detachment commander with the 1st Civil Affairs Group in Camp Pendleton, Calif.