Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders made several key appointments on Wednesday, including the selection of former Republican lawmaker Grant Hodges to replace Rev. Tyrone Broomfield on the Arkansas Board of Corrections. Broomfield had served on the board for nearly three decades, with his term ending in December 2024. Hodges, who previously served in the state House of Representatives and works at Northwest Arkansas Community College, will serve on the board until 2031.
His appointment marks Sanders’ third addition to the seven-member corrections board since she took office.
Additionally, Sydney McKenzie, the wife of Rep. Brit McKenzie (R-Rogers), was appointed to the Arkansas State Library Board, replacing Donnette Smith. Sydney McKenzie will serve on the library board until 2031.
Hodges’ and McKenzie’s appointments are part of more than three dozen appointments announced by the governor on Wednesday.
The Arkansas Board of Corrections, which oversees the state’s prison system, has been a focal point in discussions about prison expansion.
A controversial new state prison project in Franklin County, with a $330 million budget, has sparked debate among lawmakers, including concerns raised by Sen. Bryan King and other local officials.
The new facility, which has generated some opposition, is expected to play a key role in addressing overcrowding in the state’s prisons.