Gov. Hutchinson Names New Executive Director of Arkansas Parks Department

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed Kane Webb as the next executive director for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

“I’ve known Kane for almost 20 years, and I’ve gotten to know him especially well since he joined our team,” Hutchinson said. “He has a deep and abiding passion for Arkansas, he’s written about more people, places and events in this state than I can count, and he understands how important parks and tourism are to Arkansans and its economic importance to our state.”

Kane Webb, 51, is an Arkansas native with deep roots in the state. Born in Hot Springs and raised in Little Rock, Webb spent some 30 years in journalism and communications before joining Gov. Hutchinson’s team during the transition.

He got his professional start as a sportswriter for the former Arkansas Democrat. Over the years, Webb has served as the top editor at several publications, and has won state, regional and national awards for his writing.

As a senior advisor to Gov. Hutchinson, Webb has been responsible for written material, served as a communications aide and worked on special projects such as the transition of the Department of Health’s in-home care program to the private sector.

“He’s an outstanding communicator, and I’m grateful for the work he’s done as one of my senior advisors,” Hutchinson said. “While we’ll miss him in the Governor’s office, I cannot think of a better person to lead our state’s Parks and Tourism department.”