Environment agency deputy director resigns, is replaced

Gordon, a former policy adviser in Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s office, had held the position since July 11, 2016.

One of Arkansas’ top environmental officers has resigned.

Deputy Director Tori Gordon’s last day with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality was Saturday, according to her resignation letter submitted earlier in the summer. Gordon oversaw the office of land resources.

Gordon, a former policy adviser in Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s office, had held the position since July 11, 2016. She earned $96,959.82 in annual salary.

Gordon will be replaced by Kevin White, whom the department hired in November to oversee enterprise services. That office works with businesses to comply with regulations or reduce emissions and other waste. He will be paid the same annual salary as Gordon.

White, 52, is a former pastor who is working toward a master’s degree in public health from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. He has a Master of Divinity degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi College. White was a pastor for eight years before joining the department.

The office of land resources is one of three main environmental arms of the department, overseeing solid waste, hazardous waste, other regulated wastes, mining and petroleum storage tanks.