The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has announced significant updates to its leadership team, aimed at enhancing its service delivery and operational efficiency. DFA Secretary Jim Hudson introduced three appointments that will help shape the department’s future: Christy Bjornson, Paul Gehring, and Rusty Meeks.
Christy Bjornson, who currently serves as Director of both DFA’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) and Tobacco Control Division (ATC), has been named Administrator of the Regulatory Division. In her new role, she will also oversee the Medical Marijuana Commission and the Racing Commission, while retaining her current director positions. Bjornson’s new responsibilities include supervising more than 5,200 tobacco permits, 6,500 alcohol permits, over 50 medical marijuana licenses, and operations involving the state’s three casinos and live horse racing.
Bjornson steps into the role previously held by Trent Minner, who left DFA for the private sector at the end of 2024.
Paul Gehring, who has led DFA’s Revenue Legal Division, will now serve as Chief Legal Counsel, a newly established position within the department. In this capacity, he will oversee all legal operations across DFA, continue reviewing legislation and its revenue implications, and lead efforts to simplify DFA’s income and sales tax regulations to improve clarity and reduce compliance burdens for taxpayers.
Rusty Meeks, former President and CEO of the Arkansas Travelers baseball team, will take on the role of Director of Strategic Initiatives. Known for transforming the fan experience at Dickey-Stephens Park, Meeks brings a customer-first mindset to DFA. His responsibilities will include modernizing business processes, reducing paperwork, and improving customer interactions across DFA offices. The Strategic Initiatives Division will operate within the Office of the Secretary.
“DFA’s leadership team will be strengthened by these changes,” said Secretary Hudson. “These three understand the Department’s commitment to excellence in service. Whether it’s a Revenue Office transaction or renewing a permit through our Regulatory Division, our customers will see that commitment. Christy and Paul are already trusted leaders within DFA, and I’m thankful to expand their roles. Anyone who has attended a game at Dickey-Stephens Park has experienced Rusty’s innovation in providing a great customer experience. I’m looking forward to him bringing that same approach to DFA.”
The three appointees bring strong academic and professional credentials:
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Christy Bjornson holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law.
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Paul Gehring earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas.
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Rusty Meeks received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas.
For more information about the Department of Finance and Administration, visit dfa.arkansas.gov.
