Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson has announced the appointments of two Northeast Arkansans to the following boards and commissions:
- Alec Farmer – Arkansas State Highway Commission (ASHC)
- Niel Crowson – Arkansas State University Board of Trustees
Farmer’s appointment fulfills Governor-Elect Hutchinson’s campaign promise, in which he pledged to appoint a Highway Commissioner from Northeast Arkansas.
Governor-Elect Hutchinson issued the following statement on Alec Farmer:
“Infrastructure is a critical part of economic growth and development, and I am committed to working with each region of our state and congressional delegation to support these infrastructure goals. During my campaign for governor, I promised to appoint a Highway Commissioner from Jonesboro, and today, I am pleased to announce my intention to appoint Jonesboro native Alec Farmer to the Arkansas State Highway Commission. His experience and extensive knowledge of the area will serve Northeast Arkansas, the state and our economy well.”
Alec Farmer is the president of Farmer Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned farm and commercial property investment company. He has served as chairman of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and special commissioner of the Arkansas State Police Commission, both appointments made by former Governor Mike Huckabee. He was an original member of the Arkansas Agriculture Department Board and former member of the Jonesboro City Council. A Northeast Arkansas native, Farmer graduated from Arkansas State University and UALR School of Law. He and his wife, Carole, live in Jonesboro and together have four daughters.
Governor-Elect Hutchinson issued the following statement on Niel Crowson:
“Arkansas State University’s mission is to educate leaders, to enhance intellectual growth and to enrich the lives around them. Not only does Niel Crowson embody that mission, but he understands the important role ASU serves in the Northeast Arkansas community, as well as the rest of the state, which is why I am pleased to announce my intent to appoint him to the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees. His love and respect for this great university is evident, and I look forward to working with him, as well as the rest of the Board of Trustees as Governor.”
Niel Crowson is the president and CEO of E.C. Barton & Company. He has served as the chairman of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, president of the Jonesboro Industrial Development Corporation, president of the Jonesboro Jaycees, and vice chairman of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste Disposal Authority. He served in the Arkansas National Guard for six years. Crowson graduated with a degree in agriculture from Arkansas State University and currently lives in Jonesboro.
In service to his alma mater, Niel has served as a member of the Arkansas State University Foundation. He is a current member and former chairman of the ASU Chancellor's Cabinet. He and his wife, Pam Shuemake Crowson, are Sustaining Life Members of the ASU Alumni Association, and Niel was named Distinguished Alumni by The Arkansas State University Alumni Association in 2012.
Contact: J.R. Davis (JDavisAR@gmail.com or 501.353.5297)