Lt. Governor Tim Griffin announces chief of staff change

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin announced Monday (Oct. 16) the departure of his chief of staff, Scott Burton, and the hiring of David Ray as his successor, effective immediately.

“I thank Scott Burton for his faithful and tireless service to the people of Arkansas during his tenure in my office, and I wish him the best in his new role in the private sector,” Griffin said in a statement. “Scott brought a high level of professionalism, leadership and customer focus to my office, and he will be missed.

“I am pleased to promote David Ray to chief of staff in my office,” Griffin continued. “David’s experience will be a tremendous asset as I continue to advocate for lower taxes and transformation of state government.”

Burton served as chief of staff and general counsel for the past two years. He worked previously as an attorney at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP. Burton also served as a regional vetting director for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. Prior to law school, he served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps Infantry and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Ray, a former communications director for the Republican Party of Arkansas, began working for Griffin in May as deputy chief of staff and communications director. He worked previously as the state director of Americans for Prosperity, and served as communications director for U.S. Senator Tom Cotton during his 2014 Senate race.

Ray is a graduate of University of the Ozarks in Clarksville.