LITTLE ROCK — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed four Jonesboro residents to serve on statewide commissions responsible for census outreach, environmental regulations, and dental licensing, her office announced Friday, Nov. 6.
Andrea Allen and Gina Gomez will serve on the 2030 Arkansas Complete Count Committee. Allen has been designated as the committee’s chair, while Gomez will fill a newly created seat. Gomez’s term is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2030.
Created in 2025 by Act 449, the 30-member committee is charged with improving participation in the upcoming federal census. The panel partners with the U.S. Census Bureau and state agencies to coordinate outreach efforts and recommend funding allocations for census initiatives. Census data plays a critical role in determining legislative district boundaries and allocating public funds.
Landon Wilson has been appointed to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, filling a vacant seat on the panel. His term will end on March 29, 2030.
The commission is tasked with adopting environmental regulations and adjudicating disputes involving decisions made by the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality. Its dockets often include permit appeals, notices of violation, and emergency orders addressing environmental concerns.
Dr. Todd Higginbotham has been selected to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, replacing Cara Jones. His term will run through Sept. 1, 2029.
The dental board licenses dentists and dental hygienists in Arkansas, issues permits for specific procedures, and addresses disciplinary actions. Its public website allows patients to confirm licenses and file complaints against practitioners.
Each of the newly appointed members will contribute to key decisions affecting the state in their respective areas of expertise.