The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced today that Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed Robert “Ro” Arrington as the new President of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), a key agency responsible for driving economic and community development across the state.
As President, Arrington will lead ADFA’s statewide efforts to support economic growth through affordable financing for business expansion, housing development, infrastructure improvements, public health projects, and higher education funding.
Governor Sanders praised Arrington’s long-standing service and leadership within the organization.
“Ro Arrington has provided outstanding service to the people of Arkansas throughout his time at ADFA and I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver for our state,” said Governor Sanders. “Economic development is one of my administration’s top priorities and ADFA plays a key role in helping businesses grow. I know that Ro is the right leader to expand the Authority’s impact and spur even greater growth in our state.”
Arrington has served in multiple leadership capacities since joining ADFA, including Vice President of Homeownership and Public Finance. He has served as interim president since August 2025, guiding the agency during its transitional period.
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald also praised the appointment:
“Ro Arrington has been instrumental in ADFA’s success for more than a decade, and his appointment as President will lead to continued growth for the agency.”
Arrington said he is committed to strengthening ADFA’s mission and supporting projects that improve communities statewide.
“We’ll keep pushing forward to support projects that make a real difference across Arkansas.”
ADFA Board Chair Carey Smith added that Arrington’s extensive experience in public finance and investment banking made him the natural choice to lead the authority.
“We are excited for him to lead the Authority into what we believe will be a bright future serving citizens of the great State of Arkansas.”
Arrington succeeds former ADFA President Mark Conine, who resigned in August 2025 to enter the private sector.
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