Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday tapped Fort Smith businessman Bennie Westphal to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, filling a vacancy on the commission created by the death of commissioner Joe Morgan last month.
Westphal is the chief executive officer of the Westphal Group, a real estate development company with involvements in oil and gas investments and insurance sales, according to a news release from the governor's office.
“Bennie Westphal brings to this position a love of the outdoors and years of experience as a businessman and community leader,” Hutchinson said in a statement announcing the pick. “I have known Bennie for over 30 years, and I have full confidence in his commitment to conservation and to serving the public in this key position.”
Morgan, an automotive dealer and duck-hunting advocate, died on Nov. 21 after five years of service on the commission. Morgan was Hutchinson's first appointment to the eight-member commission.