Robert Brench has been named as the state budget director in the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
DFA Secretary Larry Walther announced that Brench would be taking the position, which will charge him with building a budget for the state of Arkansas and working with a range of executive and legislative stakeholders.
“The State Budget Director must understand the unique needs of each Department, working closely with Department leaders, legislators, the Governor’s Office and others to build a budget that meets these needs,” Walther said in a statement. “Robert brings a thorough understanding of state government to the position of Budget Director. Due to his years in leadership with Department of Health and experience overseeing a significant budget, he has the ability to immediately lead DFA’s Budget team.”
A licensed attorney, Brench previously served as the general counsel for the Arkansas Public School Resource Center. He also served as chief financial officer for the Arkansas Department of Health and was the Department of Health’s deputy general counsel and general counsel for four years.
“Robert is stepping into a job that in a normal year is one of the toughest in state government,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “The Budget Division’s mission has been even more difficult during the pandemic as it has labored to ensure every department has sufficient resources while maintaining our balanced budget. Robert’s willingness to assume this challenge at this uncertain time speaks to his commitment to serve Arkansas. Robert understands the Budget Division’s key role in the day to day operation of state government, and he is up to the task.”
Brench begins his new role on Monday, May 24.
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