NASCA Press Release: Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Appointed NASCA Policy and Research Committee Chair

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org, (859) 457-6400

Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Appointed NASCA Policy and Research Committee Chair

Little Rock, AR — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie Fisken, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services, as the new Chair of the NASCA Policy and Research Committee. Fisken brings a wealth of experience in state government, public policy, and legislative affairs to this critical role.

“Leslie knows the ins and outs of state government and has helped my administration deliver on our promises as Secretary of Transformation and Shared Services,” said Governor Sanders. “I know she’ll excel as the new Chair of the NASCA Policy and Research Committee and will represent the Natural State well.”

Governor Sanders appointed Fisken secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services in September 2023. She oversees initiatives aimed at modernizing and improving the efficiency of Arkansas’ state agencies. She plays a key role in streamlining government operations, creating shared services across state agencies, and ensuring the state’s efforts to align with evolving needs. Fisken was instrumental in the launch of Arkansas Forward, an initiative led by Governor Sanders to cut waste and improve efficiency across state government. So far, she has helped discover at least $300 million in cost-savings and cost-avoidance.

“I am truly honored to be named Chair of the NASCA Policy and Research Committee,” Fisken said. "NASCA has provided a tremendous platform for exchanging ideas and working collectively toward enhancing state government operations. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across the nation to advance the critical work of public policy research and provide the leadership needed to drive innovation and improvement in state administration."

Before her current role, Fisken served as Director of Cabinet Affairs for Governor Sanders, working closely with state cabinet members to implement the Governor's policy agenda. She also served as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and as an education policy advisor to former Governor Asa Hutchinson. Fisken’s background in government relations includes significant work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she helped shape key educational policies and initiatives.

In addition to her extensive work in public service, Fisken was a member of the Little Rock School District Board of Education. She is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and earned her Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law.

“Leslie’s impressive career in state government and deep understanding of policy and legislative affairs will be an asset to NASCA,” said NASCA President, Secretary Adam Proffitt of Kansas. “We are excited to work with her in advancing the Policy and Research Committee’s mission to promote thoughtful research and innovative solutions in state administration.”

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.