Kerr named insurance commissioner; Sharp to stay on as Community Correction head

Allen Kerr, left, seen in a 2012 candidate filing, and Sheila Sharp, right, in 2013.
Allen Kerr, left, seen in a 2012 candidate filing, and Sheila Sharp, right, in 2013.

Asa Hutchinson said Wednesday that state Rep. Allen Kerr, R-Little Rock, will serve as insurance commissioner when the governor-elect takes office next month, while current Department of Community Correction Director Sheila Sharp will remain in that role.

Kerr, who has been a state representative for six years, has 34 years of experience in the insurance industry, Hutchinson said in a news release. He praised Kerr for having a "breadth of knowledge" in the industry and said he will "bring with him a fresh look at the department."

Kerr succeeds Jay Bradford, a former state legislator who served as speaker pro tempore of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate. He was appointed commissioner by Gov. Mike Beebe in January 2009.

Sharp became director of the Department of Community Correction last year, succeeding David Eberhard after his retirement. Eberhard announced his departure two weeks after the agency came under fire for its handling of the release of eight-time absconder Darrell Dennis. Dennis was arrested in a Little Rock murder case shortly after his release.

Hutchinson said Sharp has done an "outstanding job" leading the agency.

"As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical this role is to our law enforcement community, and I have no doubt she will continue to serve the department and the people of Arkansas well,” he said in the release.

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