The Democratic Party of Arkansas has named Nicole Hart as their new Interim Chair.
A Wednesday news release said Hart will fill the role that was vacated by Michael John Gray on Tuesday, who stepped down to lead a super PAC targeting former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders' bid for governor.
Hart is an Iraq War Veteran and served as the senior advisor for Military and Veterans Affairs under Governor Mike Beebe's Administration. She then became CEO of the non-profit organization AR-Vet until 2017.
"Service has always defined my life and it hasn’t always been at a time of my choosing. As a person of faith, Iraq War veteran, wife, and mother, it has long been this way," Hart said. "Always In Service has defined who I am and what I believe I am called to do. So it is with honor that I ready myself to do so for our party, for our state, and for our people."
Hart currently is a managing partner of a consulting firm who specializes in Veterans Affairs strategies.
In a statement, former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe praised Hart for her dedication to service.
“It was a pleasure being Governor when we had people like Nicole Hart working in State Government. Whether she was wearing the uniform of our country, or the business uniform of our office, she is and was leading, always by example,” said Beebe.
Hart will temporarily serve in the role until an election is held at the state Committee meeting in October.
