Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced several appointments on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, for boards and commissions. Two in particular are Doyle Webb of Benton, and Michael Mayton of Little Rock.
Although Webb was appointed as chair of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, he will replace Kimberly A. O’Guinn. It was Katie Anderson that was the previous chair. She will continue to serve on the commission. Webb’s term will expire on January 14, 2029
Mayton was appointed to replace Christopher Palmer on the Workers’ Compensation Commission. His term will expire on December 31, 2027.
Webb’s credentials include a law degree from UALR School of Law and years of practice, both in the public and private sectors. He has served as special court judge and city court judge, Chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas and General Counsel for the Republican National Committee. He has held office as Justice of the Peace in Saline County, and State Senator representing Saline and Perry Counties.
He was also Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller. Webb has held membership with the Benton-Bauxite Rotary Club, Benton Civitan Club, Royal Theater, and Quapaw Council for Boy Scouts of America. He is married to Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Barbara Webb and they attend the Presbyterian Church.
“I am proud to appoint Michael Mayton to the Workers’ Compensation Commission and Doyle Webb to chair the Arkansas Public Service Commission – two respected, qualified leaders whose service will benefit every hardworking Arkansan,” Sanders said. “Michael is a top-notch attorney who has decades of experience successfully handling workers’ compensation cases, and Doyle has been an accomplished public servant, having spent his career working to improve the lives of Arkansans. I am pleased that both of them have agreed to take on these critical positions to help make Arkansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Mayton was born in Hope, Arkansas. He holds a law degree law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law at Fayetteville. There he served as the associate editor of the Arkansas Law Review. He has been in private practice for 46 years, specializing in defending employers and insurance carriers, as well as workers’ compensation cases. Mayton has served twice as Special Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He is the senior partner in Mayton, Newkirk & Jones, a law firm in Little Rock.
Other appointments are as follows:
Sanders appointed Steve Landers, of Little Rock, to the Arkansas Racing Commission. His term expires on January 14, 2028. This is a reappointment.
Mike Akin, of Monticello, was appointed to the Arkansas State Police Commission. His term expires on January 14, 2030. He replaces Murray Benton.
Two were appointed to the Black History Commission of Arkansas. Dr. Lynda Johnson is from Little Rock. Her term expires on January 14, 2029. She replaces Frank Stewart. Arnetta Bradford is from Hope. Her term expires on January 14, 2030. She replaces Cherisse Jones-Branch.
Eight were appointed to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission. These appointees do not have a specific term, but rather serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Charlene Reed, of Little Rock, will serve as chair. The other commissioners appointed are Kristen Boozman, of Rogers; Ashley Caldwell, of Little Rock; Stacy DeJarnette, of White Hall; Sarah Finley, of Little Rock; Cheri Halsey, of Jonesboro; Cathy Lanier, of Little Rock; Megan Turner, of Little Rock.
Two were appointed to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Advisory Council. They will serve at the pleasure of the Governor. They are Rebecca Jones, of Benton; and Leigh Keener, of Little Rock.