Marty Ryall named to Division of Arkansas Heritage post

Gov. Sarah Sanders appointed Marty Ryall as the Director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage on Monday (June 12). He replaces Jimmy Bryant, who is retiring at the end of June.

“Arkansans are the heirs of pioneers and patriots. We have a beautiful heritage, and I am confident Marty is the leader who will be able to preserve, protect, and promote that history across our state and the nation,” said Gov. Sanders. “I appreciate Jimmy Bryant’s service to our state and know that Marty is the perfect candidate to take up Jimmy’s role. Together, we will take Arkansas Heritage to the top.”

Bryant’s departure is the third high-profile exit from the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism in the last two weeks. Tourism Director Travis Napper announced he would leave for a private sector job, while former Secretary Mike Mills resigned his post over a week ago after six months on the job.

“Marty brings a vast amount of experience to the role of Division Director. Being goal minded, having the ability to communicate well, and being able to navigate complicated processes are a few of the strengths that I have seen displayed in his work for ADPHT. He is well-equipped to lead the strong teams that make up the division of Arkansas Heritage,” said Shea Lewis, Interim Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

Ryall is currently the Director of Legislative Affairs at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. He was appointed to that position in January of 2023. In that role, he represents the Department to the legislature and in other government-related activities.

Prior to joining the department, Ryall was the Director of Governmental Affairs at Arkansas PBS for seven years, where in 2020 he was named Public Television’s National Advocate of the Year for his work. He has extensive government and political experience of over 30 years, having worked in multiple states and in Africa.

Ryall also serves as a commissioner on the War Memorial Stadium Commission. He previously served on the Martin Luther King Commission and is a past executive director of the Republican Party of Arkansas.

He is a native of Star City and is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in International Relations.

“It is an honor to have the trust and confidence of Governor Sanders and Secretary Lewis to serve in this important position. I have a deep love and respect for our state, its unique history, her natural beauty, and our rich heritage. It is a great responsibility and challenge that I am humbly honored to accept,” said Marty Ryall.