LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday named a retired colonel in the Arkansas National Guard as director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
Alicia “Cissy” Rucker replaces Dave Fletcher, who resigned Monday, days after state lawmakers questioned him about recent audit findings showing questionable spending at the state agency.
“Cissy Rucker has a history of military leadership and a keen mind for organization,” Beebe said in a news release announcing the appointment. “I am grateful that she has agreed to postpone her retirement a while longer to continue serving Arkansas and putting this department on strong footing.”
Before taking the position, Rucker, 62, rescinded her state retirement status and will not receive retirement benefits while at the state agency, the governor’s office said.
Rucker spent 33 years in the Arkansas National Guard in a number of positions, including airfield commander, surface maintenance manager, maintenance manager and state public affairs officer.
She is a member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee and the Women’s International Helicopter Pilots Association.