Taldo named Highway Commission chairman, Farmer to step down
by December 4, 2024 3:32 pm 249 views
Philip Taldo of Springdale was elected chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, and Keith Gibson of Fort Smith was elected vice chair, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). The new roles are effective Jan. 1.
Taldo, who is vice chairman, will replace Alec Farmer of Jonesboro. Farmer said he will step down as chairman on Dec. 31 and complete his 10-year term in January. Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Farmer to the commission in January 2015.
Hutchinson appointed Taldo to the commission in 2017. A Northwest Arkansas native, Taldo is a real estate broker, investor and developer. He’s a member of the Northwest Arkansas National Airport Authority, Northwest Arkansas Council and Arvest Bank directors.
Taldo, 73, is married to Mary Ann Zulpo-Taldo and has three daughters and nine grandchildren. He attended Springdale High School and the University of Arkansas.
Gibson was the owner, operator and president of Pinnacle Communications and Pinnacle Telecom from 1986 t0 2021. He was co-founder and a member of the Board of Directors of Benefit Bank in Fort Smith, which has sold to Armstrong Bank.
Gibson is past president of the Arkansas Telecommunications Association, the Oklahoma Telephone Association and the Lavaca, Ark., Industrial Development Corporation. He is also licensed to practice law in Arkansas. He has also served on the boards of several local and area civic, charitable and political organizations.
Gibson was married to the late Susan Gibson for 33 years and has three adult children and three grandchildren. He is married to Jill Elaine Gibson, and together they have six children and four grandchildren in their blended family.
Amendment 42 to the Arkansas Constitution created the Arkansas Highway Commission. The five members oversee administration of ARDOT, including abiding by all applicable regulations and laws. Members are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Arkansas Senate, and serve 10-year terms.