Ritchie joins Stephens Inc. as VP for Government Relations

Stephens Inc. announced Thursday (May 11) that Andrew “Vu” Ritchie has been hired as Vice President of Government Relations.

Ritchie was formerly Gov. Sarah Sanders’ Chief Legal Counsel.

In his new role, Ritchie will manage Stephens’ legislative priorities at the federal, state, and local levels and serve as a policy advisor to Stephens’ executive leadership. He will begin on May 15 and work from Stephens’ Little Rock headquarters.

“Vu is a consummate strategist and well-matched to advancing policy and corporate advocacy initiatives, as well as navigating the financial services regulatory landscape. This work is not only significant to Stephens but to our clients,” said Warren Stephens, Chairman, President and CEO. “I am pleased to welcome Vu, and I look forward to his contributions.”

Ritchie is a former senior policy advisor and legal counsel for U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Additionally, Ritchie was a senior advisor to Administrator Seema Verma within the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and began his career as an associate attorney at the Little Rock firm Hope, Trice, O’Dwyer & Wilson, P.A.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Arkansas and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.

“Stephens has been an effective champion of the financial services sector, the investment community, Arkansas, and the many markets it serves. I look forward to continuing Stephens’ advocacy efforts and to being part of this extraordinary organization,” said Ritchie.