(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Kristi Putnam announced today that Renee Ikard has been promoted to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the agency effective today.

Ikard has been with DHS since April 2019 and most recently served as Deputy CFO and Director of Budget. As CFO, Ikard will manage the agency budget of more than $11 billion while working to ensure that key programs like Medicaid remain financially sustainable.

“Renee has a strong background in finance, and an excellent track record serving this agency,” Putnam said. “She has a deep understanding of how DHS operates, and a true passion for the work we do serving Arkansans across the state. I am excited to welcome her into this key leadership role.”

Ikard succeeds Misty Eubanks, who previously served as CFO and continued to fill the position on an interim basis when she was promoted to Deputy Secretary for Operations and Budget.

“Renee is a respected leader with broad experience in finance and accounting,” Eubanks said. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to this new role, and I know she will be successful.”

Ikard’s previous roles at DHS have included Chief Internal Auditor, Chief Financial Officer for the Division of Youth Services, and the Chief Financial Officer and Business Manager for Shared Services. Prior to joining DHS, she served as Assistant Controller for the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.

“I am honored to take on this new opportunity leading the talented finance team within DHS,” Ikard said. “This is an incredibly rewarding position because the work we do ensures the financial viability of critical programs that serve Arkansas’ vulnerable populations. I am excited to get started.”

Ikard attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she majored in accounting and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A native of Nashville, Arkansas, Ikard lives in Little Rock with her husband, Craig.