March will bring a new job....

Friends, March will bring a new job and a great opportunity to continue to serve the citizens and be a part of the Governor's administration. Working in the Governor's office has been a great ride and overseeing a state agency will be a rewarding new challenge. I appreciate Governor Huckabee's vote of confidence!


NEWS RELEASE


Little Rock--Feb. 13--Gov. Mike Huckabee has named Chad Gallagher of Little Rock as the new director of the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board. Gallagher will replace Charlie Davis, who has resigned effective Feb. 24, 2006.
Gallagher is the director of intergovernmental affairs and director of boards and commissions for the governor. He assumes his new position on March 13, 2006. Tobacco Control Board Deputy Director Maurice Gilmore will serve as interim director until that time.
Gallagher previously served as policy advisor to the governor on issues involving law enforcement and homeland security. Before joining the governor's staff, Gallagher was mayor of De Queen and ran his own retail business.
"Chad is a valued member of my staff and I trust him to do a good job," said the governor. "His experience working with the Legislature will serve him well as agency director and, as a former mayor, he has experience dealing with local issues and governments."
The governor said Gallagher's experience will be an asset to the Tobacco Control Board.
"I'm pleased with the governor's confidence and I will continue to give 110 percent," said Gallagher. "I see this as another opportunity to continue to serve the people of Arkansas."
Davis has served as director of the Tobacco Control Board since 1999. He is leaving to accept a position with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board in Hot Springs. In his resignation letter, Davis said the move allow him to spend more time with his family.
"I have enjoyed the experience, education and challenging work this position has afforded me in my professional life," said Davis.
Davis is proud of the success the board has had in connection with tobacco sales to minors. As director, he certified eight agents who enforce the law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors. Under Davis' leadership, Arkansas is second lowest in the nation for the sale of tobacco products to minors.
The Tobacco Control Board was created in 1997. It regulates retailers, wholesalers, cigarette vending machine businesses and manufacturer sales representatives who sell cigarettes and tobacco products.