Arkansas Department of Human Services names Lesnick as New Chief of Staff

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Janet Mann announced today that Gavin Lesnick has been promoted to serve as the agency’s new Chief of Staff.

Lesnick, who previously served as Chief of Communications, will start the new position immediately. He fills a key role on the DHS leadership team, helping manage projects across the department and serving as a key contact for legislators, elected officials, and other state agencies.

“Gavin Lesnick is a champion for the DHS mission, and I’m excited to welcome him into this new leadership role,” Mann said. “Gavin has a keen understanding and appreciation of the critical work our teams perform, and I know he will excel in moving our agency forward across all of our programs.”

Lesnick succeeds Lori McDonald, who retired in June as chief of staff after more than 25 years in state government. Lesnick joined DHS as deputy chief of communications in March 2021 and was promoted to Chief of Communications a year later. In that role, he has overseen the Department’s internal and external communication efforts, media relations, the Freedom of Information Act unit, the DHS website, and DHS social media accounts.

“I am incredibly proud to be a part of a team that helps people in need every day in communities in every corner of our state,” Lesnick said. “I’m excited to contribute in new ways and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to take on additional responsibilities in support of the DHS mission.”

Lesnick lives in Little Rock with his wife and their two boys, ages 10 and 5.

Deputy Chief of Communications Keith Metz will serve as Acting Chief of Communications until a permanent successor is named.

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