Denny Altes named Arkansas Drug Director

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has named Denny Altes, a former legislator from Fort Smith who was elected to the Arkansas House and Senate, as the state’s Drug Director.

He replaces Fran Flener who retired last year. Steve Varady has served as interim Drug Director since Flener’s retirement.

The State Drug Director oversees and coordinates the activities of the Arkansas State Drug Abuse and Prevention Coordinating Council and is responsible for coordination of all alcohol and drug abuse prevention/treatment initiatives in Arkansas.

Altes served in the House of Representatives from 1999-2003 and represented Senate District 13 from 2003 to 2011. He returned to the House of Representatives in 2011 and represented the 76th District until January 2015.