Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced significant personnel changes within her office, appointing Josh Stewart as Director of Legislative Affairs, Zach Jacobs as Policy Director, and Heather Patterson as Director of Advance & Coalitions.
These strategic appointments are intended to bolster her administration's efforts ahead of the upcoming 2027 legislative session. Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of these additions, saying, "As we head into the 2027 legislative session, I want to add new talent to my team of smart, driven leaders who can help advance our conservative agenda and continue Arkansas’ record as a blueprint for reform for the entire country."
Josh Stewart, previously a policy advisor, has contributed to initiatives such as the acquisition of Blanchard Springs and the state's first AI usage rules. Zach Jacobs joins from the Arkansas Department of Education, bringing experience from his prior role as Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Heather Patterson, an Arkansas native, previously served as Connection Director for Fellowship Bible Church, managing large-scale events and volunteer coordination.