Arkansan Trump’s pick to head Delta authority

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will nominate a Little Rock man to lead the Delta Regional Authority, the White House has announced.

Chris Caldwell, 38, is director of special projects for U.S. Sen. John Boozman, a Republican from Rogers, and managed Boozman’s 2016 re-election campaign.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Caldwell will serve as the federal co-chairman, the regional authority’s top job.

The position, previously held by Democrat Chris Masingill of Little Rock, has been vacant since late July.

Boozman, who recommended Caldwell for the post, said his aide will be an effective leader.

“Chris shares the DRA’s commitment and vision for improving economic opportunity in the delta region. He has a passion for helping others, a strong sense of duty to the region and an understanding of what it takes to bring economic growth to our communities. Plus, he is as tenacious as they come,” Boozman said Wednesday in a written statement.

A seventh-generation Arkansan, Caldwell will be “a tireless advocate and an asset to the entire delta in this role,” Boozman added.

On Wednesday, Caldwell said he welcomes the opportunity to serve.

“I’m just honored and so excited to work with the administration and humbled to have the confidence of the president,” he said.

Caldwell declined to comment on policy matters; presidential nominees generally avoid doing so before their confirmation hearings.

But he expressed optimism about the future.

“I look forward to being able to help do great things in the Delta,” he said.

The agency, which awards millions of dollars in grants each year, “fosters local and regional partnerships that address economic and social challenges to ultimately strengthen the Delta economy and the quality of life for Delta residents,” its website states.

The federal co-chairman earns $172,100 per year.

Created in 2000 with the support of then-President Bill Clinton, the Delta authority covers parts of seven states along the Mississippi River plus Alabama.