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Governor’s Spokesman Departs; Katie Beck to Take Over

2 min read

Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s spokesman, J.R. Davis, will leave the post by the end of the month for a job in the private sector, and Katie Beck, the governor’s director of state-federal relations, will take move into that job Oct. 1.

Davis has been director of communications since the beginning of the Republican’s first term in January 2015. He will join Gilmore Strategy Group of Little Rock, a political consulting and lobbying firm led by Jon Gilmore, the governor’s former deputy chief of staff. 

A news release from the firm said Davis will focus on its political practice and expanding its communications work.

“Our clients expect their values and key differentiators to be communicated to stakeholders in the most effective way possible,” Rett Hatcher, a partner in the firm and the governor’s former legislative and agency affairs director, said in a news release. “Over the last five years, in this state’s most critical and decisive moments, J.R. Davis has proven his ability to convey the governor’s message accurately and effectively. This state has been served well and we welcome his expertise to better serve our clients.”

Davis was communications director in the governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign. Before that, he was the morning anchor and political reporter KFSM-TV, Channel 5, the northwest Arkansas NBC affiliate. He also worked as communications director for U.S. Rep. Steve Womack.

In a news release, Hutchinson called Davis an “extremely talented communicator, a trusted counselor and a friend.”

“I have been impressed with his leadership and work with the media, and I am grateful to have had him on my team for the past five years,” he said. “I wish him all the best as he uses his talent to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.”

Beck, a native of White Hall, served on the governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign and has worked in the governor’s office since January 2015. She’s served in a number of different roles, including as the governor’s executive assistant, liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and director of state-federal relations.

“Her years with me as a candidate and as governor will inform her ability to speak for me to the press and the public,” Hutchinson said. “Katie has a background in communications, law and federal-state relations, and I have no doubt that her experience in these areas will be an incredible asset as my new communications director.”

Beck said she was excited to take on the new role.

“Working for the people of Arkansas in Washington, D.C., has been an incredible honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return home to lead the governor’s talented communications team,” she said. “I appreciate the governor’s confidence, and I look forward to continuing my service in his administration.”

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