BENTONVILLE -- Northwest Arkansas Community College has hired state Rep. Grant Hodges to be its executive director of community and government relations and marketing starting July 13, according to a college news release.
Hodges, 30, is a Republican from Rogers serving his third term representing District 96, which includes part of Benton County. He didn't run for reelection this year.
His responsibilities will include directing the college's government relations at the local, state and federal levels, providing management over marketing and public relations efforts and serving as the college's official spokesman, according to the news release.
He'll take over many of the responsibilities held by Jim Hall, executive director of community and government relations, who's retiring next month.
Hodges has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arkansas. Hodges' annual salary will be $78,000, said President Evelyn Jorgenson.
Hodges serves on the House Education Committee and is a member of the Southern Region Education Board and the Advisory Board of the Arkansas Academy for Educational Equity. He is a former chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee for Educational Institutions and worked for Lowell as director of economic development, according to the news release.
Jorgenson said the college is pleased to bring Hodges on board.
"Because of his background, knowledge and years of service as a state representative, we believe he will be able to quickly assist the college with our diverse legislative needs. He has many contacts and is fully aware of state operations," Jorgenson said.