Rutledge announces in-coming officials

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today announced the departure of Chief of Staff Cory Cox in mid-August as he transitions to work in the private sector. Cox was named Chief of Staff in October 2017 and has worked in state government for more than 20 years. With the departure of Cox, Rutledge appointed her current Deputy Chief of Staff Brian Bowen of Little Rock to serve as Chief of Staff and Kerry Jucas Moody of Little Rock to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff.
Referencing the departure of Cox, Rutledge said, “Cory has been and will always be a trusted colleague, advisor and friend who has given me sage advice for decades. He has left an indelible mark on this office and policy in Arkansas. Arkansans are lucky to have Perryville’s finest fight to protect them from bad actors and overreaching federal government. I could not be more honored to have had my friend Cory Cox, who is an incredible Christian family man, serve as my chief of staff over the last several years.”
“Brian is more than prepared to take the reigns as my Chief of Staff and serve the people of Arkansas,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “In addition to his legal expertise, in-depth knowledge of state government, and commitment to the people of our State, Brian has worked tirelessly with legislators, state agencies, and interested parties on some of the most challenging issues we have addressed. Much like his predecessor, Brian is a strong leader who conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and class regardless of the circumstances.”
Bowen has worked for Rutledge since 2017 serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff and previously the Deputy for State Agencies and Legislative Director where he has cultivated relationships with legislators working on policies. Bowen is a Hendrix College graduate and received his juris doctor from the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School Of Law. Prior to working at the Attorney General’s office, Bowen served as the Chief of Staff for the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. He has also been an Assistant Director for the Division of Aging and Adult Services and an attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel for the department. Prior to joining the Department of Human Services, he was in private practice in the Little Rock area.

“Kerry has done an excellent job managing the Public Affairs department. Her steady, thoughtful leadership is imperative to the success of the final 18 months of my administration,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Kerry has her pulse on issues facing Arkansans and she works hard to guide our office to better serve their needs. During her tenure as Director of Public Affairs, my office has handled ten times more phone calls and emails and hosted more trainings and outreach programs. I couldn’t be more proud to have her on my team.”
Moody started in the Attorney General’s Office in December 2019 serving as the Director of Public Affairs. Previously, Kerry served for nine years in the Secretary of State’s office, first under Secretary Mark Martin and then Secretary John Thurston. During her tenure, she held the positions of Assistant Director of Elections, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Director of Communication, Education & Creative Services and Deputy Secretary of State.
Prior to her years in state government, Kerry was the Executive Director of American Majority Arkansas and the Finance Director for the Republican Party of Arkansas. A native of El Dorado, Kerry and her husband live in Little Rock with their teenage son.