J.R. Davis, one of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s long-time staffers, is resigning as director of communications for the governor’s office to join the private sector. Katie Beck has been named as Davis’ replacement as communications director.
Davis has served as Hutchinson’s communications director since his 2014 gubernatorial campaign and assumed his current role in January 2015. His final day will be Friday, Sept. 27.
In a statement, Hutchinson thanked Davis for his contributions to his administration.
“J.R. has been a key member of my team since the first day of my administration,” Hutchinson said. “He is an extremely talented communicator, a trusted counselor, and a friend. I have been impressed with his leadership and work with the media, and I am grateful to have had him on my team for the past five years. I wish him all the best as he uses his talent to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.”
Davis is joining the Gilmore Strategy Group, a consulting firm that specializes in strategy and government lobbying. Gilmore Strategy Group founder and president Jon Gilmore, who formerly served as Hutchinson’s deputy chief of staff, confirmed to Arkansas Money & Politics that Davis will be joining the firm, starting Sept. 30.
“I’m delighted today to announce J.R. Davis as a Senior Strategist in our firm. J.R. and I first met when he joined the staff of Governor Hutchinson’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign and we became close friends. We have worked in various roles together, and it was a natural fit to continue working alongside each other now in the private sector,” Gilmore said in a statement. “There is no better communications and messaging expert in the South than J.R. Davis and he will bring a unique perspective to our practice. I’m delighted to build this firm with Rett and JR for many years to come.”
A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Davis began his career as a reporter and anchor for KNWA and Fox 24 in Northwest Arkansas. He later served as a communications director for U.S. Congressman Steve Womack from Jan. 2011-2012. Davis returned to KNWA for two years before joining Hutchinson’s campaign team.
“Jon and Rett have quickly established Gilmore Strategy Group as one of the premiere consulting firms in the state. Having worked with both of them in Governor Hutchinson’s office, this comes as no surprise to me. Their work ethic and political acumen have served their clients well, and I hope to build on that reputation,” Davis said. “Whether it’s a candidate or company, the ability to effectively communicate a message is more important than ever, and I believe my ten-plus years of experience in media, communications, and politics will help our clients do just that.”
Beck, the current director for state-federal relations in Hutchinson’s office, will be taking over as communications director. She has worked in the Governor’s Office since Jan. 2015, serving as the Governor’s executive assistant and liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, in addition to director of state-federal relations.
“In her various roles over the past five years, Katie has earned my complete confidence that she can handle anything that comes her way,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Katie served on my 2014 campaign for governor, and she has served in my administration since day one. Her years with me as a candidate and as governor will inform her ability to speak for me to the press and the public. Katie has a background in communications, law, and federal-state relations, and I have no doubt that her experience in these areas will be an incredible asset as my new communications director.”
READ MORE: Newsmakers: J.R. Davis