Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Jim Hudson Chief Financial Officer for the State of Arkansas and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) in August 2023. As Chief Financial Officer and Department Secretary, Hudson and DFA oversee the state’s taxing authority, state budget, accounting, motor vehicle administration, driver services and regulation of industries such as alcohol, tobacco, medical marijuana, casino gambling and live horse racing. Additional services and divisions within DFA include Child Support Enforcement, Assessment Coordination, Intergovernmental Services, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and Information Services. DFA has more than 2,200 employees across its Divisions.

Hudson previously served as Chief of Staff for the Arkansas Department of Commerce. As chief of staff, Hudson worked to align the activities of the nine divisions within the Department of Commerce.

Prior to joining Department of Commerce, Hudson spent over twenty-five years in executive leadership with for-profit and non-profit organizations in Central and Northwest Arkansas. He is passionate about organizational clarity and helping the teams he leads navigate in a high-change environment.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College in Conway, a juris doctor from the Bowen Law School in Little Rock, a master’s degree in leadership from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, and a master of divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville.

Secretary Hudson and his wife Leigh have their home in Little Rock.