Governor’s communications director leaving office

Gov. Sarah Sanders’ communications director Alexa Henning will be leaving the office for a job in Washington, D.C., the office confirmed on Tuesday (Aug. 6).

Henning, who has served in the role since the early days of Sanders’ administration as her chief spokesperson, tells Talk Business & Politics that she’s appreciative of her time in Arkansas.

“I am grateful beyond words to the Governor for putting her trust in me to serve the great State of Arkansas and thankful for her leadership and the remarkable team she leads. Her success is a testament to her vision and Arkansans are better off with her as Governor. I am proud to call her a friend and eagerly anticipate the continued success she will undoubtedly achieve over the next six and a half years as Governor,” Henning said.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette was the first to report Henning’s departure. It reported that she will be joining a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm. Her last day will be Aug. 16.

A replacement for Henning has not been named at this time.

Gov. Sanders and Henning worked together in the White House during President Donald Trump’s administration.

“I’ve counted on Alexa Henning since our earliest days together in the Trump White House. She was a loyal staffer when I was Press Secretary, an effective adviser when I became Governor, and a good friend throughout. She brought experience at the highest level of political communications to the Governor’s Office and expertly navigated the first year and a half of my administration. I am deeply grateful for her service to the State of Arkansas and wish nothing but good luck to her as she takes this next step in her career,” Sanders said.