Gov. Sanders appoints Lewis to head Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Marshall to lead Securities Department

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Friday (Aug. 11) that Shea Lewis will serve as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks. Lewis has been serving as interim secretary since June when Mike Mills resigned.

“Shea’s record of strong leadership promoting Arkansas state parks and outdoor recreation uniquely qualifies him to be Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. I look forward to continuing to work with him to grow Arkansas tourism, elevate our 52 beautiful state parks, and make the Natural State the best place not only to visit, but live, work and raise a family,” Sanders said.

“It is an honor to lead this department and the amazing group of professionals that are entrusted with some of our great state’s historical, cultural and natural resources. Combining the efforts of Parks, Heritage and Tourism with the support and vision of Governor Sanders, the possibilities are endless,” said Lewis.

Lewis served as the 10th director of Arkansas State Parks. In that role, he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of 52 state parks found in 48 counties, covering 55,000 acres across the state.

With over 9 million visitors on an annual basis, his areas of responsibility ranged from operations, maintenance, planning, development, emergency and program services, marketing, promotion, revenue, sales, outdoor grants, and general administration.

Lewis started his career with Arkansas State Parks as a seasonal park interpreter in 1995. With nearly three decades under his belt, he has also served as a full-time interpreter, park superintendent, region supervisor, and deputy director for Arkansas State Parks.

SECURITIES COMMISSIONER
Gov. Sanders also appointed state Bank Commissioner Susannah Marshall as Commissioner of the Arkansas Securities Department effective immediately. She becomes the state’s 19th Securities Commissioner.

A new state law, Act 475, placed the Arkansas Securities Department under the Arkansas State Bank Department. Act 475 transferred the administrative functions of the State Securities Department to the State Bank Department and amended the law concerning the organization of the department. The act also stipulates that the Governor appoints the Securities Commissioner who will report to the Bank Commissioner, or the Bank Commissioner may act as the Securities Commissioner.

Marshall, who was reappointed Commissioner of the State Bank Department in June by Gov. Sanders, will serve as both the state’s Securities Department Commissioner and the state’s Bank Department Commissioner. Both commissions are under the umbrella of the Department of Commerce.

“Susannah has been a tremendous leader for the Arkansas State Bank Department, and I have no doubt her experience and expertise in the financial industry will enable her to effectively lead the Arkansas Securities Department,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Serving dual roles has unique challenges, but I am confident that Susannah is up to the task of continuing the excellent service that ASD has provided Arkansans for more than half a century.”

Campbell McLaurin, who has served as the interim Commissioner since March 2022, will continue serving the department in the role of Deputy Commissioner. McLaurin successfully led the department through an orderly transition in the merger with the State Bank Department.

Established in 1959, the primary functions of the Securities Department are to protect Arkansas consumers, educate investors, and safeguard the state’s financial markets. It became part of the state Department of Commerce in 2019.

“I am honored to receive the appointment to serve as the state’s Securities Commissioner,” said Marshall. “I believe the alignment of the Arkansas Securities Department with the Arkansas State Bank Department will serve to enhance our oversight and supervision of the financial services sector in Arkansas. I look forward to working with Governor Sanders, Secretary McDonald and the Securities Department team to build on the history and strong foundation of the ASD. Together, we will work to further develop the mission and focus to help protect consumers, enhance financial services education and provide a safe and opportunistic economic environment in Arkansas.”

Marshall has worked for the Arkansas State Bank Department since 1995 and was appointed Deputy Bank Commissioner in 2007. From 1995 to 2003, she served as a commercial bank examiner. She became a financial analyst in 2005 and was promoted to financial analyst supervisor before being named the Deputy Bank Commissioner.