NEW COMMISSIONER: Arkansas Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd has appointed Amber Pool to the state Medical Marijuana Commission. (Graphic by Mandy Keener) Graphic by Mandy Keener

Tyler Ketner, a supply chain analyst from Pea Ridge, is set to become the newest member of the state Medical Marijuana Commission, according to an announcement at the commission’s meeting on Thursday. 

Ketner was on hand for the brief meeting and was introduced by chair James Russell but did not vote during the meeting because he has not yet been sworn in. Ketner will be appointed by incoming Senate Pro Tem Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) and should be in place by the next meeting, according to commission spokesman Scott Hardin

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The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

In a brief introduction, Ketner told the commissioners he is a 10-year Arkansas resident who moved to the state to work for Walmart. Ketner said he no longer works for Walmart but still works “in the Walmart world to this day.” Ketner’s LinkedIn page says he is a supply chain analyst for Team Direct Management of Rogers. 

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Ketner will take the place of Kevin Russell whose two-year term is expiring. Russell was appointed by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy). 

The five-member commission is made up of one appointment by the governor, two by the senate pro tem and two by the speaker of the house.

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The commission had little other business to handle Thursday in a meeting that lasted three minutes and 44 seconds. The commissioners were notified that Acanza dispensary of Fayetteville intends to change its floor plan but the commission does not vote on such matters. The commission’s only vote Thursday was to approve the minutes of its previous meeting.