The attorney general's office on Thursday announced the appointment of its new chief of staff, one day after the position was vacated.
Assistant Attorney General Erika Gee replaces Blake Rutherford, who resigned Wednesday to accept the position of vice president at The McLarty Cos., a news release from the office states.
"I appreciate the confidence that General McDaniel has shown in me, and I am eager to help him to continue the good work of this office using the knowledge and relationships I've developed throughout my legal career," Gee said in the release. "I look forward to directing the wide-ranging initiatives the Attorney General's Office provides to improve the lives of all Arkansans and to demonstrate the value we have for our constituents and our clients in state government."
Gee currently serves as an attorney in the State Agencies Division, representing various state boards and commissions on behalf of McDaniel's office. She has served as an assistant attorney general since 2007.
Gee will take the position later this month. She has previously worked for Wright Lindsey and Jennings Law Firm and for the Arkansas Municipal League.
"Erika has been a valued member of our team for six years now, and I look forward to relying on her counsel and leadership as we work to make this the best Attorney General's Office in the country," McDaniel said in the release. "I know that she will continue to ensure that we effectively communicate our mission to the people of our state and work with the Legislature, our municipalities and other government entities to give them the assistance they need."