LITTLE ROCK, AR - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that she has appointed Judd Deere to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He is replacing Sheffield Nelson, and his term will expire on March 1, 2035. Judd will remain in his role as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office while serving on the board.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Judd on campaigns, at the White House, and now in his role as my Deputy Chief of Staff. He is one of the best hires I’ve ever made,” said Governor Sanders. “Judd absolutely loves the state of Arkansas, and I know he will approach this appointment with the same leadership, passion, and loyalty that I have come to know and value. He will excel on the University of Arkansas’ Board of Trustees and help further my administration’s priorities to improve our K-12 and higher education system for every Arkansan.”

“I am deeply honored by and grateful to Governor Sanders for her confidence in me to serve on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees,” said Judd Deere. “I was raised to love our state and want nothing more than to see the University of Arkansas System succeed in preparing the next generation for the workforce-be it a four-year degree or certificate at a community college - because when it does, so does our state. In addition to the governor, I also want to express my gratitude to my parents, sister and brother-in-law, grandparents, amazing colleagues in the governor’s office, and Robert for their unwavering support and encouragement as I take on this exciting opportunity to ensure our entire state-alumni and fans alike-is proud of the University of Arkansas.”

Judd Deere bio:

Judd Deere, who has more than a decade of government management and communications experience at the national and state levels, currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Like the Governor, Judd served as a White House aide to the 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump, working in various capacities over the course of three years, including Director of State Communications, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs, and finally as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary.

In addition to his work in the Trump Administration from 2017 to 2021, Judd also twice worked on Capitol Hill (2011-2014 and 2021-2022) in Washington, D.C., including as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications to U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), Press Secretary and Digital Director for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (Idaho), and Correspondence Director for U.S. Senator John Boozman (Ark.).

In addition to his current role with Governor Sanders, Judd’s other work in the state includes Communications Director for the Office of the Governor-elect and Sarah for Governor campaign (2022),Communications Director for then Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (2014-2017), Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director for the Tim Griffin for Arkansas campaign (2014), and Northwest Arkansas Field Director for the Republican National Committee and Republican Party of Arkansas (2010).

Since childhood, Judd has been a passionate fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, attending more events and games than he can count. Several of Judd’s family members are graduates of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, including a late grandfather J.W. Deere, class of 1963, his uncle Ron Deere, class of 1980, his father Steve Deere, class of 1984, and his cousin Jason Deere, class of 2006. 

Judd is a 2010 graduate of Lyon College in Batesville and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and History. 

In 2020, Judd was recognized by his alma mater with the Patterson Decade Award, which is bestowed to one man and one woman of the 10-year reunion class who achieved a notable degree of success in his or her chosen field, career, or profession. 

A native of Benton, Arkansas, and 2006 graduate of Benton High School, Judd currently resides in Little Rock.

Deere, who has more than a decade of government management and communications experience at the national and state levels, currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Like the Governor, Judd served as a White House aide to the 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump, working in various capacities over the course of three years, including Director of State Communications, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs, and finally as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary.