The vocational whereabouts of Charles Blake, who resigned as Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s chief of staff in late January, are now known. He’s become a principal in a lobbying firm.

The news release:

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Think Rubix, Arkansas’ newest and most diverse public affairs firm, has announced that former Arkansas state legislator Charles Blake has joined the agency as Vice Principal. As a skilled policy maker, political strategist, entrepreneur and civil servant, Blake will steward the corporate and governmental affairs, lobbying, and campaigns portfolio of Think Rubix.

“Charles Blake gets it. His deep knowledge of our state, its systems, and our people represents not only the skills and experience necessary to do the important work of our day, but also the true passion and spirit that drives sorely needed social innovations,” said Think Rubix Managing Principal Tristan Wilkerson. “Of all of his meaningful work, we’re most excited about this next iteration of Charles Blake at Think Rubix. We look forward to the incredible impact he’ll make as part of our team.”

Blake is an experienced legislator having served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 36, and where he served as Minority Leader of the Democratic caucus. He was also elected Minority Whip and Vice Chair of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus during his tenure. Most recently, Blake served as Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s Chief of Staff.

“Tomorrow’s change-makers must face today’s challenges with new ideas and fresh perspectives on each and every issue. That’s the kind of work Think Rubix does every day and I’m excited to move the needle forward with our team,” said Blake. “From our local communities to communities beyond our borders, we will continue our work to harness the collective power of people to move people from the margins to the middle.”

An Arkansas native, Blake graduated from Little Rock Central High School before earning his political science degree at Grinnell College. Upon his return to Arkansas, Blake served as a founding administrator of the Little Rock Preparatory Academy and President of CenArk Transportation. Blake has been named one of Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders from 2017-2021 by Arkansas Business.

ABOUT THINK RUBIX

Think Rubix is a culture-first public affairs firm. TR helps executives, leaders and decision-makers working to improve corporate, government and social environments to harness the elusive power of culture by offering public engagement, equity innovation, and storytelling services. Founded in February 2017, Think Rubix has led a number of both local and national efforts — moving millions of voters, reaching thousands of consumers, and engaging dozens of communities with strategies tailored specifically for clients in business, philanthropy, government, and education.

Rubix’s website says it worked in the campaign to extend the Little Rock School District millage, as well as around the country. Speaking of local issues: The city of Little Rock may put a tax extension or increase on the ballot this year though Blake’s recent city employment might present a stumbling block in work there. Wilkerson, leader of Rubix, sits on the board of the Little Rock Technology Authority.

Could be interesting at the state legislative level if Rubix eventually seeks to work there (it’s not currently listed online as a legislative lobbyist). Democratic associations have tended to prove poisonous at the Republican-dominated Arkansas General Assembly.

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The company website lists employees in Arkansas, California and Washington, D.C.

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