Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the resignation of his Director of Communications, J.R. Davis, and named Katie Beck as his replacement. Davis will leave at the end of the month to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Beck, who currently serves as Director of State-Federal Relations for Governor Hutchinson, will assume the position on October 1, 2019.
“In her various roles over the past five years, Katie has earned my complete confidence that she can handle anything that comes her way,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Katie served on my 2014 campaign for governor, and she has served in my administration since day one. Her years with me as a candidate and as governor will inform her ability to speak for me to the press and the public. 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.”
“J.R. has been a key member of my team since the first day of my administration,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He is 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. I wish him all the best as he uses his talent to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.”
Katie Beck issued the following statement:
“I am humbled and excited to continue serving in Governor Hutchinson’s administration as his communications director. 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. I appreciate the Governor’s confidence, and I look forward to continuing my service in his administration.”
Katie Beck served on the Governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign and has served in the Governor’s Office since January 2015. During that time, she has served in a number of different capacities, including as the Governor’s executive assistant, liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and most recently, as director of state-federal relations. Beck is a native of White Hall and a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and history. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law in 2014.
J.R. Davis issued the following statement:
“It has been an honor to serve as Governor Hutchinson’s communications director and spokesperson for the last five years. Under his direction, Arkansas has become a national leader in a number of key areas, from health care to computer-science education, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to help message those successes to the rest of the world. To Governor Hutchinson and the First Lady: Thank you for your counsel, your confidence, and above all, your friendship. This has been an amazing experience.
“At the end of the month, the very talented Katie Beck will take over as communications director, and I cannot think of a better person for the job. Katie has been an invaluable member of the Governor’s staff from day one, and she has excelled at every turn. I have no doubt that she will serve the Governor and the people of Arkansas well in this new role.”
Davis has served as the Director of Communications for Governor Hutchinson since January of 2015 and served in the same capacity during the Governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign. His last day will be Friday, September 27, 2019.
