Governor Hutchinson today announced the appointment of Jonesboro attorney Scott Willhite to the state Workers’ Compensation Commission.

The three-member commission is responsible for the administration of the workers’ compensation laws in Arkansas. Commissioners are appointed to six-year terms. One commissioner is assigned to represent the interests of labor, another management, and the chairman is intended serve as a neutral party.

Advertisement

Willhite will serve as the labor commissioner, replacing outgoing Commissioner Philip Hood. Hood makes $133,654 a year in the position. Willhite will make $120,543.

Willhite has been a partner with Orr Willhite, PLC in Jonesboro since 1999. He serves as chair of the Craighead County Republican Committee. Willhite was previously appointed by Hutchinson to sit as Special Associate Justice to Arkansas Supreme Court in April 2015.

Advertisement

In a press release, the governor issued the following statement:

The Workers’ Compensation Commission provides vital services for our hard-working Arkansans. Scott’s extensive experience representing workers in compensation will make him a valuable voice on the commission as he works to protect Arkansas’s workers. I look forward to seeing great things from Scott in this new role.

And Willhite:

Advertisement

I am honored that Governor Hutchinson has appointed me to the commission. I have handled workers’ compensation cases for the past 25 years and have concentrated on the representation of injured employees before the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and the Arkansas Supreme Court since 1997. Recently, we have seen the improvement of workplace safety and the decrease of the cost of insurance.

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Lawsuits filed in Texas challenging law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel Next article Defense Secretary James Mattis resigns