The Association of Arkansas Counties announced that Josh Curtis has been named governmental affairs director for the agency.
Curtis currently serves as legislative and agency liaison for Gov. Asa Hutchinson, where he advises the governor on legislative matters related to health care. He also is in charge of communications on a variety of topics between the governor’s office and several state agencies.
“My time with Governor Hutchinson’s administration has been a personal privilege and a professional honor that I will always treasure,” Curtis said. “Working in the robust atmosphere of the governor’s office has prepared me to join the Association of Arkansas Counties. I am excited about the opportunity to join the AAC and work to improve county government.”
Curtis of Benton previously served as a legislative liaison for the Secretary of State’s office, director of governmental affairs for the Office of Lieutenant Governor and worked with the State Land Commissioner. He was elected justice of the peace for the Saline County Quorum Court in 2012, and serves as chairman of the Human Resource Committee and co-chairman of the Finance Committee. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Curtis’ wife, Alisha Curtis, works for the Hutchinson administration as office manager and executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.
“Josh’s experience in constitutional state offices and county government will serve county officials well,” AAC Executive Director Chris Villines said. “He is a dedicated professional who has built an expansive network in the state. We expect him to excel in his next career path here at AAC. We think he is a wonderful fit on our team, and I know he is eager to get to work for Arkansas counties.”
Curtis will serve as liaison to the Circuit Clerks Association of Arkansas and the Arkansas Collectors Association.
Legislative Director Added to Perkins’ Role
AAC also announced that it will add legislative director to the role of Scott Perkins, who also serves as the agency’s communications director. He joined AAC in October 2011.
“I’m appreciative and thrilled with the opportunities AAC has provided me during the last four years and what our team has accomplished for our stakeholders across the state,” Perkins said. “I’m honored, to say the least, about helping lead AAC’s legislative advocacy. I look forward to continuing our mission of improving county government for the people of Arkansas.”
Villines said, “Scott has proven to be an effective communicator and leader at his time at AAC. He performed well during the session organizing and devising strategies with our legislative team and we’re excited about this official transition.”
Perkins previously was publisher of The Paragould Daily Press and has worked in Arkansas daily newspapers for 10 years. In addition to leading the communications effort at AAC, he has served as the Arkansas County Clerks Association liaison and helped lead the legislative policy team during the 90th Arkansas General Assembly.
