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Allen Kerr Named Insurance Commissioner; Sheila Sharp Retained as Community Correction Director

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Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson says outgoing state Rep. Allen Kerr will be the new insurance commissioner, and Sheila Sharp will remain as director for the Department of Community Correction.

Kerr has served six years in the state House of Representatives. He represents District 32, which includes part of Pulaski County. Kerr was vice-chair of the House Insurance & Commerce Committee in the 88th General Assembly. 

“Along with his experience in the legislature and his breadth of knowledge in the insurance industry, [Kerr] will also bring with him a fresh look at the department,” Hutchinson said in a statement.

Kerr and his wife, Marliese, are co-owners of the Simmons First Insurance-Allen Kerr Agency in Little Rock. The agency offers auto, home, life business and commercial insurance.

Kerr replaces Jay Bradford, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2009. Bradford was also a former legislator, serving more than 20 years in both the state House and Senate.

Sheila Sharp has served as DCC director since August 2013. 

“Sheila has done an outstanding job in her current role as director at the Department of Community Correction,” Hutchinson said. “As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical this role is to our law enforcement community, and I have no doubt she will continue to serve the department and the people of Arkansas well.” 

Sharp has worked in state government for nearly 40 years, including more than 15 years with the state prison system.

Also Wednesday, Hutchinson announced Brig. Gen. Mark Berry would serve as Adjutant General of Arkansas. Berry has more than 40 years of service, including more than 20 years of active duty. 

Berry joined the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith in 1992, where he remained until he was appointed chief of staff of the Arkansas Air National Guard in 2012. 

“Brig. Gen. Berry is a principled leader who, over the course of his 40-year career, has served our state and country — at home and overseas — with honor and integrity,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “Those traits, accompanied with his experience and extensive knowledge of Arkansas and our military, make him the obvious choice for this new role.”

Hutchinson announced Tuesday that he would replace Heath Abshure as commissioner of the state Securities Department. J.R. Davis, spokesman for Hutchinson, said the administration was not releasing specifics, at this time, on who would replace Abshure in the role.

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