I heard this morning that Arkansas has a new commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services to succeed Robert Trevino, who stepped down into a lesser role after 1) huge controversy over the hiring of an unqualified interpreter for the deaf and 2) a punishing state audit of the agency.

RANDY PARKER

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  • RANDY PARKER

I’m hearing the new man is career agency employee Randy Parker, who’s been director of program planning, development and evaluation.

I’m checking. I’m also inquiring again about renovation work in the agency headquarters on Capitol Avenue to accommodate various personnel shuffles. The agency insists the work doesn’t include an expansion of the agency’s office for its boss, Arkansas Career Education director Bill Walker. He has large satellite office there as well as an office on the Capitol mall. I’ve been unable so far to get precise details on the work or access to the offices for photos.

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UPDATE: The governor’s office confirms Randy Parker’s promotion, though no word issuing forth from the executive suites of the agency just yet.

UPDATE II: In a statement sent to me after I sought the governor’s office help, Bill Walker describes the appointment as an “interim” one.

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