Kane Webb has been named executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced today, Oct. 22.
The appointment was confirmed Oct. 21 by the Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission.
Webb currently serves as a senior adviser to Hutchinson, where he has has been responsible for the governor’s written material, served as a communications aide and worked on special projects such as the transition of the Department of Health’s in-home care program to the private sector.
“I’ve known Kane for almost 20 years, and I’ve gotten to know him especially well since he joined our team,” Hutchinson said.
“He has a deep and abiding passion for Arkansas. He’s written about more people, places and events in this state than I can count, and he understands how important parks and tourism are to Arkansans and its economic importance to our state. While we’ll miss him in the governor’s office, I cannot think of a better person to lead our state’s Parks and Tourism Department.”
Webb, 51, was born in Hot Springs and raised in Little Rock. He spent more than 30 years in journalism and communications before joining Hutchinson’s team. He was a sportswriter for the former Arkansas Democrat, and has served as editor at several publications, including Arkansas Life and Louisville magazine, and has won state, regional and national awards for his writing.
He replaces Richard Davies who is retiring.