Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced Representative Bill Gossage of Ozark as his new Deputy Chief of Staff for External Operations. Gossage will work in conjunction with Ateca Williams, who was named Deputy Chief of Staff for Internal Operations in July.
In addition, Katie Beck, current Executive Assistant to the Governor, has been named the new Director of State-Federal Relations.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on Gossage and Beck:
“I am pleased to announce Representative Bill Gossage as my new Deputy Chief of Staff for External Operations and Katie Beck as the new Director of State-Federal Relations. “Bill has been a longtime friend and adviser, and I have no doubt that his experience in education and his service in the legislature will provide my office with wise counsel and guidance as we approach the 2017 general session. Most importantly, though, Bill shares my vision for our state. As a former educator, he led the effort to help pass my landmark computer science education bill because he understands what it takes for our students to compete in a 21st century workplace. I am confident Bill will do an outstanding job in this new role, just as he’s done for his constituents over the years. “Katie is a consummate professional and has been a valuable asset to my office from day one. In addition to her duties as my Executive Assistant, Katie has continued to play a vital role in other areas within the office, including as the liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. I am confident she will bring the same exceptional skill set and professionalism to her new role as Director of State-Federal Relations as she has exhibited over the last two years.”
Speaker Gillam issued the following statement on Gossage:
“Although the House is losing a valuable member, the State of Arkansas will gain a true public servant. Representative Gossage is a leader because he helps others grow. That is why I trusted him to chair our House Management Committee. I will miss my colleague and good friend in the Chamber, but I look forward to working with him in his new role to continue to do great things for Arkansas.”
Gossage issued the following statement upon the Governor’s announcement:
“When I ran for the legislature I wanted to help create jobs, lower taxes, and improve education. Fighting this fight and representing my neighbors in Franklin, Madison, and Crawford counties in the legislature has been the highest privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to do so. Now, these causes take me in a different direction. I am honored to have the opportunity to work for Governor Hutchinson as he continues to move Arkansas forward with more high paying jobs, less taxes, and greater opportunities for all Arkansans.”
Beck issued the following statement upon the Governor’s announcement:
“I am humbled and excited to be able to continue my work on behalf of Governor Hutchinson as Director of State-Federal Relations. It has been an honor serving his administration for the past two years and I look forward to continue working for the people of Arkansas in Washington DC.”
Bill Gossage currently serves as the State Representative for District 82, which includes parts of Franklin, Madison, and Crawford Counties. He was first elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2012 and was a member of the House Education Committee. Gossage is a retired Assistant Superintendent for the Ozark Public School System with 34 years of experience as an educator.
Katie Beck will fill the position vacated by Alison Williams when she accepted the role of Chief of Staff for Governor Hutchinson in May. Arkansas’s Director of State-Federal Relations is responsible for developing and recommending policies to maximize federal resources that will support Governor Hutchinson’s objectives for the State. The position is based in Washington, D.C.
Alisha Curtis, current Director of Operations and Special Projects and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, will replace Katie Beck as Executive Assistant to the Governor.