John Burkhalter
| John Collins Burkhalter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Arkansas Highway Commissioner | |
|
In office 2011–2013 | |
| Preceded by | Cliff Hoofman |
| Succeeded by | Frank Scott, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 4, 1956 Branson, Missouri, USA |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Penny Kay Cobb Burkhalter |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Residence | North Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Alma mater |
Sylvan Hills High School Hendrix College University of Arkansas |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Website |
johnburkhalter |
John Collins Burkhalter (born August 4, 1956) is a businessman and Democratic politician from North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Personal life and education
Burhalter was born in Branson, Missouri, but his family moved to Sherwood, Arkansas, when Burkhalter was six months old. Burkhalter graduated from Sylvan Hills High School before completing his undergraduate program with a pre-medical degree at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.[1] He also graduated in 1980 from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a degree in civil engineering.[2] Burkhalter and his wife, the former Penny Kay Cobb (born 1969), have two daughters.[3]
Career
Burkhalter owned U-Liner Mid-America until 1998, when he sold the company to CSR Pipeline Systems. Following the sale, Burkhalter became a real estate developer.[4] Burkhalter currently serves as president of Burkhalter Technologies, a construction business.[3]
Burkhalter served as chairman of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission from 2007 to 2011.[3] Burkhalter served as an Arkansas Highway Commissioner from 2011 to 2013.[5]
Burkhalter ran for Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas in 2014 but lost to Republican U.S. Representative Tim Griffin, who vacates Arkansas's 2nd congressional district seat after four years. Burkhalter and the unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial nominee, former U.S. Representative Mike Ross of Arkansas's 4th congressional district, endorsed each other's candidacies.[6]In the last week of the campaign, news broke that Burkhalter as a young man had worked many temporary jobs, including that of a male stripper in Little Rock using the designation "Metro Express". A telephone survey was taken to determine if the activity as a male stripper would impact the campaign. Burkhalter is since the owner of a construction company, and his daughters are both involved in competitive dance.[7]
Burkhalter has served on the boards of the University of Arkansas and Pathfinder Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities.[3][1]
References
- 1 2 Hoelzman, Amanda (31 January 2012). "John Burkhalter Led to Pathfinder To Help Arkansans With Developmental Disabilities". Little Rock Soiree. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ↑ "John Burkhalter Biography". Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 "University of Arkansas Welcomes New Board of Advisors Members". University of Arkansas Newswire. 26 August 2011. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ↑ Waldon, George (25 July 2011). "John Burkhalter Sees Green With Arkansas First Building". Arkansas Business. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ↑ "Burkhalter resigns from Highway Commission". THV11. 5 October 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ↑ Wooten, Patty (2 December 2013). "Burkhalter makes campaign stop in Monticello". Seark Today. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ↑ Elizabeth Harrington (October 29, 2014). "Democrat Running for Lt. Governor of Arkansas Used to be a Stripper" "I've always been an athlete"". freebeacon.com. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
