Gov. Hutchinson chooses Wes Ward for agriculture secretary

Wes Ward of Lake City has been selected by Gov. Asa Hutchinson for the post of Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. Gov. Hutchinson made his announcement on Friday naming Ward his choice. Ward is waiting confirmation from the Arkansas Agriculture Board.

"It is truly an honor to be recommended by the Governor for the position," Ward said. "I would look forward to the opportunity to serve and work with the Agriculture Board and the Governor."

Ward is a 2000 graduate of Riverside High School. After graduating from high school Ward spent his first four years in the Marines on active duty where he rose to the rank of sergeant. After four years Ward entered the Marine Reserves and returned to Lake City to attend college. He is a 2006 graduate of Arkansas State University and a 2009 graduate of law school from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Upon being admitted to the bar, Ward re-enlisted in active duty and served in multiple roles. Following deployments to Afghanistan and Jordan, Ward transferred back to the Marine Reserves and returned home to Lake City where he is currently a captain in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Ward has earned degrees in agricultural business, agricultural and food law, and a master's of science degree in agricultural economics.

In Gov. Hutchinson's announcement he said, "Wes Ward is someone who understands Arkansas' important place in the world when it comes to agriculture, and his credentials make him impeccably well suited to this job...I have no doubt that Wes Ward will do an outstanding job for the state of Arkansas."

Ward currently serves as a civil affairs officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He worked in 2013 on the staff of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford.

Congressman Crawford said of the nomination, "Wes' depth of knowledge of Arkansas agriculture provides him with the background to be an excellent advocate for our state's unique needs, while his dedication to Arkansans and lifetime of service to his community and country demonstrate that he's the man for the job."