Beebe appoints directors for state livestock, labor

— Gov. Mike Beebe on Thursday appointed Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin to lead the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Ricky Belk to head the Arkansas Labor Department.

Beebe’s spokesman, Matt DeCample, said the governor appreciated the appointees’ familiarity with the respective issues.

“You’re talking about two people who have leadership experience and background in the area,” DeCample said.

Scroggin, 46, of Vilonia was re-elected county judge in November. He is also president of the County Judges’ Association of Arkansas and is a former Democratic state representative. His salary will be $97,500.

Scroggin is a cattle rancher and grew up on farms with chicken houses, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Steve Bryles, former head of the livestock and poultry commission, died in late December.

The commission is responsible for developing the livestock and poultry industries in the state and administering related laws and regulations. It is also responsible for controlling, suppressing and eradicating pests and diseases that affect the industries.

“I’m thankful to Gov. Beebe for extending the opportunity to me. This is something I’ve done my entire life. I’m excited about being able to help the entire state,” Scroggin said. “I’ve been very involved my whole life in farming, so I think it gives me a unique perspective.”

Belk, 56, of Alma, has been secretary-treasurer of the Arkansas AFL-CIO since 2005. He has served on the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board since 2006.

Belk said he will leave both positions. Belk’s salary will be $115,000.

The former director, James Salkeld, retired last Friday. He was appointed director in 1991.

The Labor Department is responsible for enforcing state labor laws and improving working conditions.

Belk said by phone that his background with unions has taught him to serve others.

“I did not come in here with an agenda,” Belk said. “I’m going to hope that the team that is in place will add me in to it.”

Beebe also announced three higher-education appointments.

Shelia Vaught of Little Rock was appointed to the University of Central Arkansas board of trustees for a term expiring Jan. 14, 2020. She replaces Rush Harding.

Ron Rhodes of Cherokee Village was appointed to a second term on the Arkansas State University board of trustees for a term expiring Jan. 14, 2018.

Leigh Whiteside of Russellville was reappointed to the Arkansas Tech University board of trustees for a term expiring Jan. 14, 2018.

Arkansas, Pages 9 on 01/25/2013

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