Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson “will make a change in leadership” at the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, the agency said Tuesday.
Director Artee Williams, who was originally appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2004 and reappointed by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2007, said in a news release that Hutchinson told him Dec. 2 that a new director would be appointed at the agency, which offers services and programs for employers and job-seekers.
“Williams has asked ADWS employees to support the new governor and the new ADWS director,” the agency said in a statement. “Williams looks forward to spending time with his family, traveling and pursuing other opportunities.”
Williams serves as chairman of the Arkansas Public Retirement System board of trustees and has led the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, the agency said. Under Williams’ leadership, Workforce Services has added workforce centers on two-year college campuses to better serve job-seekers; has implemented several work-ready certification programs; and has received recognition for helping to develop and fund the Career Pathways Initiative, according to the statement.
In September, the department won the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ James F. Walls Team Award for its reemployment services program.
Hutchinson, a Republican from Rogers who will be sworn in Jan. 13, has already announced that Joe Thompson will be replaced as state surgeon general and Col. Stan Witt will be replaced as state police director.
Hutchinson spokesman J.R. Davis told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette last week that Hutchinson was considering several new appointments for his tenure.
Williams’ current salary is $147,186.21.