Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday said he has nominated Aaron Burkes to serve as the new president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, a state agency that administers funding in the form of tax-exempt bonds and other debt instruments through its economic development, homeownership and affordable rental housing programs.
Burkes, a former Republican state representative from Garfield, was recently chosen to be associate vice chancellor for business affairs at the University of Arkansas but before starting that post was invited to fill the finance authority role, Hutchinson’s office said. He has spent the past several years working in economic development and college administration roles in northeast Iowa and Madison, Wis.
“I am pleased to submit the name of Aaron Burkes to serve as the next president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority," Hutchinson said in a statement. "Aaron’s varied experience and educational background make him an ideal fit to lead this department. He understands banking, real estate and the law and, as a former state representative, Aaron knows the legislative process."
A graduate of Southside High School in Fort Smith, Burkes holds a bachelor’s degree from UA in Fayetteville, a master’s degree in economics from Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., and a law degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.