The new economic development leader
In a room packed with familiar faces from the Bill Clinton and Jim Guy Tucker eras -- including Tucker himself -- Gov. Mike Beebe introduced Maria Haley today as the new director of economic development. Outgoing head Larry Walther was on hand and Beebe spoke warmly of him. He'll continue to have a role at DED, at least for a time.
Haley was asked about her involvement in Whitewater-era investigation of financial contributions to Bill Clinton from Asian businessmen. The room erupted in applause after she said the Senate Banking Committee had reviewed thousands of documents and found nothing improper.
Warwick will be back with some film after a while. He'll be swinging by the lottery discussion as well.
News release on the jump.
BEEBE NEWS RELEASE
Governor
“Maria Haley will open doors around the world for
Haley, 66, has worked in international business development since 1979 and speaks four languages. She began with a 13-year tenure at the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, during which time the number of
In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated Haley as a member of the board of the Export Import Bank of the
Since 2001, Haley has been Senior Director for Kissinger McLarty Associates, specializing in Asia-related projects. She also served as an advisor and consultant to the Philippine Government of President Gloria Arroyo.
Comments
Since this post is drawing a blank I will post this information I received from a friend who is in economic development:
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By the way, Gov. Beebe will announce today the appointment of Maria Haley, a former Clinton insider, to head the Dept. of Economic Development. I can't say any of us economic developer types are just thrilled about her appointment.
Here's some background on her: http://www.filipinasmag.com/free_2006Haley.html
Here's what became of her ex-Hubby:
Quote:
HARRISON, Ark. (AP) - A lawyer who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge filed by Whitewater prosecutors died Thursday when the small plane he was piloting crashed while trying to land at an airport, officials said.
John Haley, 72, who was once the personal lawyer of former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, had recently joined a new law firm. A partner, Peter B. Heister, confirmed Haley's death.
One passenger, Farish Kincaid, 70, also was killed in the crash. Authorities said the men, both from the Little Rock area, apparently were due at a business meeting in Harrison.
Haley and Tucker were accused in 1995 of setting up a sham bankruptcy to hide profits from a business deal. Haley pleaded guilty and was fined and ordered to pay restitution.
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January 31, 2007 09:01 PM