Ro Arrington to lead ADFA

FinanceLatest NewsTalk Politics

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 37 views 

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Dec. 4) that she has selected Robert “Ro” Arrington as the new president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA).

As president, Arrington will lead the ADFA, which is charged with promoting economic growth and community development across the state of Arkansas. ADFA helps foster economic growth by providing affordable financing options for business expansion, affordable housing, infrastructure, public health initiatives, and higher education funding.

“Ro Arrington has provided outstanding service to the people of Arkansas throughout his time at ADFA and I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver for our state,” said Gov. Sanders. “Economic development is one of my administration’s top priorities and ADFA plays a key role in helping businesses grow. I know that Ro is the right leader to expand the Authority’s impact and spur even greater growth in our state.”

Since joining ADFA, Arrington has worked in multiple leadership roles, including as vice president of homeownership and public finance. Arrington has worked as interim president of ADFA since August 2025.

“Ro Arrington has been instrumental in ADFA’s success for more than a decade, and his appointment as president will lead to continued growth for the agency,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “He is the right person for the job with the financial expertise and experience to lead ADFA. We are excited about Governor Sanders’ selection and look forward to working alongside Ro in his new leadership role.”

“Stepping into the role of President at ADFA, I’m focused on maintaining the strong foundation already in place,” Arrington said. “We’ll keep pushing forward to support projects that make a real difference across Arkansas.”

“The executive committee of the ADFA Board felt like Mr. Arrington was the natural fit to lead the Authority, due to him having over ten years of experience with the organization and a vast knowledge of public finance from his decades of investment banking experience,” said Carey Smith, ADFA board chair. “The Board is thankful for his sincere dedication, and we are excited for him to lead the Authority into what we believe will be a bright future serving citizens of the great State of Arkansas.”

Former ADFA President Mark Conine resigned in August 2025 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.