Benton County has appointed Anne Thwaits to a newly created chief of staff position, County Administrator Rick Crager announced.
The position replaces the former assistant county administrator role. County officials say the change is designed to maintain current staffing levels while reducing overall costs.
Thwaits has served as public information officer in the Board of Commissioners office since 2024, working on countywide communication, community engagement and transparency efforts.
She also brings leadership experience from previous roles in Arizona and holds advanced degrees in fine arts and media arts, along with a doctorate in art history and education.
In her new role, Thwaits will help lead governance support, strategic planning and public relations, working closely with Crager on countywide initiatives.