Jake Bleed Named State Budget Director

Jake Bleed

Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Larry Walther, director of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, announced Friday that Jake Bleed will be the department’s state budget director. 

Bleed replaces Duncan Baird, who joins the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System on Monday as executive director. 

Bleed has been director of fiscal and agency operations in the governor’s office since 2017. He previously served as DFA’s communications administrator.

“Jake distinguished himself as a leader in all matters related to the state budget,” Hutchinson said in a news release. “Through his work in our office, he developed relationships with legislators, agency directors and fiscal officers throughout state government. Those relationships, along with an extensive understanding of the budget, make this a smart, seamless transition to DFA.”

Bleed starts his new job on Monday.

“This position requires a detailed understanding of needs across state government along with comprehensive budget and policy experience,” Walther said. “From his time at DFA to his work in the Governor’s Office, Jake brings all of this to the role of State Budget Director. He has been and will continue to be a great asset to the State of Arkansas.”