After several requests under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the Courier News has obtained information regarding the applicants for the president/director of the Blytheville Gosnell Regional Airport Authority.
The BGRAA board had a tie vote last week to offer the position to outgoing Blytheville Mayor Barrett Harrison, who would replace longtime director Joe Gurley, who is retiring. The chairman of the board, Don Houseworth, voted in favor of the motion to hire Harrison to break the tie. Terms of the job offer have not been disclosed.
Requests for the names of the other applicants under FOIA were denied until after the decision was made to hire Harrison. Blytheville attorney Mike Bearden, who serves as legal counsel for the BGRAA, delivered redacted copies of the applicants' resumes Friday. The names, ages and addresses as well as other pieces of identifying information were blacked out on the documents.
The applicants were:
-- A full-time algebra, geometry and algebra II teacher who obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hendrix College in 2000 and a master's degree in business administration from Arkansas State University in 2004. This applicant is also an associate pastor of a church and has previously worked as an adult case manager for Mid-South Health Systems.
-- A former administrator of a 70-bed long-term care facility at Gosnell. The applicant holds an MBA and claimed a record of success in management of acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities and health information management. The applicant earned a bachelor's degree in health information management in 1996 and a master's degree in clinical focus in 2002 from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.
-- A self-employed farmer who holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Arkansas State University. This applicant was previously a farm manager.
-- A small business owner/operator with 27 years of law enforcement experience and a former military police officer with the United States Air Force. The applicant is also an adjunct instructor at Arkansas Northeastern College. The applicant has two associate degrees, in arts and criminal justice, from ANC, a bachelor of science degree in technology management in 2001 from Arkansas State University, a master of science in operations management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2009 and is a 2006 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
-- Former executive director of the Crowley's Ridge Development Council, who also worked in human resources at several different companies, including the American Red Cross. The applicant obtained a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Arkansas in 1981 and a master's degree in public administration from Arkansas State University in 1985.
-- A coordinator of a career service center with 30 years experience with national wireless communications companies. The applicant earned a bachelor's degree in human resources management in 1968 and a master's degree in marketing in 1971, both from the University of Mississippi.
-- The holder of a concealed handgun carry license, former state marksmanship coordinator, first responder and National Guard veteran. The applicant has served as a signal officer and special project officer, as well as training in hazardous materials, code enforcement and safety requirements. The applicant has served in the local Lion's Club and in other means of community service. The applicant holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas in 1978 and completed the signal officers' basic and advanced courses, completed in 1984.
-- A 35-year veteran of the automobile business, this applicant has been a general manager and overseen all aspects of a vehicle dealership. The applicant holds a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Henderson State University and has served as vice president of the Blytheville School Board, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the Ritz Civic Center Commission and is a member of First Baptist Church.
-- A former trainer and technical adviser and former center coordinator for the Mississippi County EOC. The applicant holds a bachelor's degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University and a master's degree in organizational management from La Vern University. The applicant has been an adjunct instructor at ANC and was former international import manager for FedEx. The applicant is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
In addition to being mayor of Blytheville, Harrison's resume lists experience as former owner of an insurance agency as well as his experience on the board of directors of the BGRAA and Great River Economic Development Foundation. He also serves on the Delta Development Commission as well as on the board of directors of the Delta Grassroots Caucus.
He is a member of the Blytheville Rotary Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Blytheville.
Harrison earned an associate's degree from Marion Military Institute and a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com