An Arkansan on the White House staff is getting a promotion.
Judson P. “Judd” Deere, who had served as White House director of state communications, is now special assistant to the president and director of media affairs.
Deere, a Benton native, is a graduate of Lyon College in Batesville.
Before joining the administration of President Donald Trump, he worked as a field director for the Republican Party of Arkansas during the 2010 elections and was a staff member for U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
As deputy campaign manager and communications director, he helped Tim Griffin win his 2014 race for lieutenant governor. He also served three years as spokesman for Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
In his new post, Deere will handle regional communications, helping to spread the president’s message.
In an email, Deere said he was “humbled” to get the nod.
“Serving the President and the American people is a true honor. President Trump is doing incredible work, and it’s a privilege for me to help communicate these things at the regional, state, and local level where I believe the majority of Americans get their news,” he said.
In his previous job, Deere worked primarily with state and local elected officials.
In a text, Griffin praised Deere’s “hard work and dedication to service.”
“President Trump and the nation will continue to benefit from Judd’s commitment to excellence and his experience, especially in this new position of greater responsibility,” he added.
Rutledge also welcomed the news.
“Judd has been an exceptional resource for the White House and the entire administration over the last year,” she said in a written statement. “Arkansans like Judd have helped elevate the State to a level of national recognition through hard work and bringing an understanding of why Americans outside the beltway, particularly those in rural America, support President Trump. I could not be more proud of Judd and look forward to continue working with him in this new capacity.”