Governor Mike Beebe has named Ty Patterson of Texarkana as the newest commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Patterson will serve the remaining 16 months of a term vacated by the resignation of Rick Watkins.
“Ty has a lifetime of outdoor experience, particularly in Southwest Arkansas,” Beebe said. “His enthusiasm and experience will serve him well as he represents that region of our State on the commission.”
Patterson is the second commissioner from Texarkana to serve. Henry Moore III was appointed in 1975.
Patterson, 35, is a partner in the Orr/Patterson Automotive Group in Texarkana.
“It truly is a dream come true for someone like myself who is passionate about hunting and fishing,” said Patterson, who’s among the youngest appointed commissioners. “I look forward to joining forces with current commissioners, the director and all the staff at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in an effort to protect and preserve the abundance of wildlife and natural habitat we have here in our state.”
A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Patterson grew up hunting and fishing in Southwest Arkansas. He is particularly fond of duck hunting and spring turkey hunting.
Along with current memberships in Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, Patterson is a board member of the First Tee of Texarkana and volunteers on committees for Opportunities, Inc.
Patterson’s term will expire July 1, 2014.