An Arkansas businessman whose career includes perviously serving as president and CEO of Wal-Mart International has been appointed to the state’s Game and Fish Commission.
During a news conference Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson named Bobby L. Martin of Rogers to serve a term of seven years. He replaces outgoing commissioner Emon Mahony of El Dorado.
"It is center to a passion that I have for hunting, fishing, certainly conservation and the preservation of what we all respect and treasure, particularly here in the Natural State," Martin said.
Martin, who was also previously chairman of the Game and Fish Foundation board, currently serves as CEO of Mcon Management Services and is an operating partner at the Stephens Group.
Thursday’s appointment was the second Hutchinson has made to the Game and Fish Commission since taking office last year. Joe Morgan of Little Rock was appointed last year, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette previously reported.
“I don't believe there's a more important appointment I can make than to the Game and Fish Commission," Hutchinson said. "It is part of the lifeblood of Arkansas, part of our culture, part of our heritage and certainly a huge part of our economy."
Martin has also served on the boards of Dillard's Inc. and Gap Inc., Hutchinson said.
Check back with Arkansas Online for updates and Friday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.