The Arkansas Agriculture Department has named Adriane Barnes director of communications.
Barnes currently serves as the Arkansas Forestry Commission information coordinator. Her role will be expanded to include all AAD divisions and programs, which also include the Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission, Arkansas State Plant Board and the Arkansas Aquaculture Division.
“Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry and contributes more than $20 billion annually to the state’s economy,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Agriculture secretary. “Arkansas agriculture is very diverse and we are proud to be ranked among the top 25 states in the nation each year in the production of 23 agricultural commodities. Adriane’s expanded role as the director of communications will help integrate the many services and programs that the Arkansas Agriculture Department provides. We are committed to providing a strong voice for the agriculture community and we are excited to have Adriane in this new role.”
Barnes graduated from Perryville High School and received a bachelor’s degree in communications and writing from the University of Central Arkansas. She has had a varied career in marketing and communications within the natural resources and tourism industry.