Lt. Gov. Rutledge Names Beth Walker to Ethics Commission

Walker will serve a five-year term on the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Arkansas Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge has appointed Elisabeth A. (Beth) Walker of Little Rock to the Arkansas Ethics Commission, where she will serve as a Commissioner effective February 10, 2026. Walker will replace Wendy L. Johnson, whose five-year term expired on December 31, 2025.

Why it matters

The Arkansas Ethics Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the state's ethical standards by enforcing ethics laws and ensuring transparency and accountability in Arkansas government.

The details

Walker is a retired Little Rock lawyer who practiced law in the city from 1982 until her retirement in January 2023. She spent most of her career in the Office of Arkansas Attorney General, where she served as an Assistant Attorney General and as Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Opinions Department.

  • Walker's appointment to the Arkansas Ethics Commission is effective February 10, 2026.
  • Walker will replace Wendy L. Johnson, whose five-year term expired on December 31, 2025.

The players

Leslie Rutledge

The Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas who appointed Beth Walker to the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

Beth Walker

A retired Little Rock lawyer who has been appointed to serve a five-year term on the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

Wendy L. Johnson

The previous member of the Arkansas Ethics Commission whose five-year term expired on December 31, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Beth has had a distinguished career in public service and the law. I worked closely with Beth for eight years as Attorney General and have personally witnessed her unwavering commitment to fairness, her impeccable work ethic, and legal acumen from decades of experience interpreting the law.”

— Leslie Rutledge, Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas (talkbusiness.net)

“I am deeply grateful to Lieutenant Governor Rutledge for this appointment and the opportunity to serve on the Arkansas Ethics Commission. I look forward to contributing to its vital mission of enforcing ethics laws and ensuring transparency and accountability in Arkansas.”

— Beth Walker (talkbusiness.net)

The takeaway

The appointment of Beth Walker, a respected legal veteran with a background in public service, to the Arkansas Ethics Commission underscores the state's commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in government.