Lottery security director, ex-police chief named state's next emergency management leader

A.J. Gary
A.J. Gary

A.J. Gary, director of security and regulatory compliance for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, has been named head of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, according to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's office.

“A.J. will be a great addition to an already stellar team, and I am confident our state won’t miss a beat with him at the helm,” Hutchinson said in a news release.

Gary left his job as chief of the Conway Police Department at the end of October for his job with the state lottery, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette previously reported.

At ADEM, he replaces David Maxwell, who will retire at the end of June, according to the governor's office. Gary will start July 1.

"I have had the pleasure of working with David over the years and wish him and his family well as he enters retirement," Gary said. "I look forward to working with the team members of ADEM as together we serve the citizens of the state of Arkansas."

Read Wednesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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