Gov. Asa Hutchinson has recommended Aaron Burkes, a former Republican legislator from Northwest Arkansas, to become president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

The Board of Directors fills the position. Gene Eagle has been president.

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Burkes, a lawyer, has been an administrator for the last three years at Madison (Wis.) College. He’d recently been hired as associate vice chancellor for business affairs at the University of Arkansas, but hadn’t begun the job, a news release said. It quoted the governor:

“I am pleased to submit the name of Aaron Burkes to serve as the next president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Aaron’s varied experience and educational background make him an ideal fit to lead this department. He understands banking, real estate and the law and, as a former state representative, Aaron knows the legislative process. In addition, his recent experience in economic and workforce development and administration should serve him well in this important post.”​

Burkes worked 15 years in banking and real estate development before becoming executive director of a regional agency that worked on economic development and housing in five Iowa counties. Then he moved to his college job.

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