Mike Downing
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin has named a new chief of staff to oversee to the city’s departmental leaders.
Perrin has appointed Mike Downing, vice president of Jonesboro Unlimited, to serve as the chief of staff. His appointment is effective June 3.
As chief of staff, Downing will be charged with overseeing Jonesboro’s 15 city department heads, with the exception of the police and fire departments. Downing is replacing Roy Ockert as chief of staff.
Previously, Downing served in a similar role in the state government of Missouri. Downing is the former Director of Economic Development for Missouri.
“Mike led a cabinet-level position with the State of Missouri, managing 700-plus employees and a $350 million budget,” Perrin said. “He worked for eight governors, and during his time in Jonesboro has illustrated to me that he understands leadership and networking at all levels of government.”
Most recently, Downing has served as a vice president for Jonesboro Unlimited. During his tenure, he has been active in economic development in the city.
“We appreciate the work Mike has done for Jonesboro Unlimited,” JU and Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce President Mark Young said. “He has a passion for the community and seeing it continue to grow and improve. He will be a tremendous asset to the City of Jonesboro.”
READ MORE: Jonesboro: Jobs and an Evolving Economy Help Northeast Arkansas Thrive
