By John Balch
News-Leader Staff
Gina Lockwood, a 1990 graduate of Delight High School, was recently hired as chief of staff for the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Lockwood started her new job Sept. 30 after resigning as governmental affairs director at Arkansas Tech University. Prior to her ATU job, Lockwood worked for the state Department of Education, first as chief of staff and later as chief operating officer. She has also worked as language arts teacher and high school guidance counselor.
“My first jobs were waitressing at Prescott Pizza Hut and babysitting for many of the Bank of Delight employees,” Lockwood said.
She added that all her past jobs, including the babysitting, helped prepare her for her new role with the House of Representatives.
“Those positions all focused on service and connecting people to the right information, services and opportunities,” Lockwood said. “While my background is primarily in education, I have been fortunate to learn about state and federal government operations, including budgeting and legislation. As well as experience in public service, leadership, patience and tenacity.”
Lockwood holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Henderson State University and a Masters of Science in Education and educational specialist degrees from ATU. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership from ATU.
Lockwood said a day in the life of HR chief of staff is “usually far from boring,” which she loves, and involves overseeing the daily operations of the House and “act to ensure compliance with all associated rules and regulations.”
She also coordinates preparation of the House sessions and works closely with government officials, related staff and a variety of other stakeholders.
Lockwood, 52, now lives in Little Rock but was raised in Delight and lived there until she left for college. She said she gets back home as often as she can. Her family, including parents Ruth and CE Lockwood, still reside in Delight.
“I try to come home as often as a I can to see family and friends,” she said. “Delight will always be home. It is a special part of our state and home to some of the best people I’ve been blessed to know.”
