Auditor-Elect Andrea Lea Announces Staff Positions, Matayo Leaving SoS (UPDATED)

State Auditor-elect Andrea Lea, R-Arkansas, has promoted two long-time office employees and has hired a chief deputy officer to fill out three positions on her new staff.

Lea, who was elected to the Auditor of State position on Nov. 4, will replace retiring Auditor Charlie Daniels, D-Arkansas, in January 2015.

Lea, a state representative from Russellville, is promoting Wesley Smith to Deputy Auditor and Velecia Mays to Warrants Manager.

Smith has worked in the Auditor’s office 33 years, and  Mays has 27 years of service. The promotions take effect January 13 when Lea takes office.

“My transition team and I believe these employees are being underutilized in their current roles. Mr. Smith and Ms. Mays have served Arkansas honorably and these promotions are well-deserved,” Lea said.

Lea has also selected Dr. George Franks as Chief Deputy Auditor. Franks, who served for more than 25 years in law enforcement, the last several years in administration, will join Lea’s team when she takes office.

He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Government (Criminal Justice and Public Administration) at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he has worked for the past decade.

Lea said she would also hire John Ahlen as staff attorney. Ahlen currently works for the Arkansas House of Representatives as Assistant Parliamentarian and as a Legislative Analyst. He will join the Auditor’s staff in January.

About two-thirds of the current staff of 35 employed by State Auditor Charlie Daniels will be retained.

MATAYO TO EXIT SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE
Doug Matayo, who has served as Chief Deputy Secretary of State to Mark Martin, R-Arkansas, since January 2011, is leaving the office. Matayo will join Legacy Consulting as a senior partner to the firm effective January 5, 2015.

Matayo has also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2003-2007 and he has extensive private sector experience in the retail, banking, finance and media industries.

Legacy Consulting is an Arkansas-based strategy firm with a focus on community & economic development, high profile brand management and private sector growth strategies, as well as government relations. The firm is led by founder and principal consultant, Chad Gallagher.

“I’ve known Doug for more than ten years now. His integrity is second to none and he will bring extraordinary benefit and help to our clients on every project. Our entire team looks forward to working with Doug in this new capacity,” said Gallagher.

ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT NAMES DEERE TO COMMUNICATIONS POST
Attorney General-elect Leslie Rutledge, R-Arkansas, named Judd Deere of Little Rock as her new communications director for her administration.

Deere served as Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director for Representative Tim Griffin’s successful campaign for lieutenant governor. He’s previously worked for Sen. John Boozman,