Arkansas.gov
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has named Jay Harton, a veteran of state service, as the division’s director, the Department of Transformation and Shared Services announced Friday. Harton stepped in as interim director in February 2024, and previously spent nine years as DIS’ chief operating officer (COO).
“Jay’s leadership has been essential in implementing Arkansas Forward and ensuring Arkansans are safe as modern technology advances, and I look forward to his continued leadership as the head of the Division of Information Systems,” Sanders said in a statement.
Harton replaces Jonathan Askins, who served as DIS director from June 2021 to February 2024, according to LinkedIn. His title then was chief technology officer (CTO); according to state code, the director also serves as CTO.
The division is part of Arkansas’ Department of Transformation and Shared Services, which was created in 2019 to consolidate more than 42 state agencies into 15 departments. DIS is responsible for IT products and solutions — alongside cybersecurity — for state agencies, public schools, cities, counties and public safety organizations. Arkansas Forward, which the governor referenced, is the state’s plan to improve IT administration across the state, improve customer experience, reduce cyber risk, and trim up to $130 million in annual costs.
“I am honored to assume the role of director for DIS,” Harton said in a statement. “I am grateful to Gov. Sanders for this opportunity to continue serving the great state of Arkansas alongside the dedicated professionals at DIS.”
