ASCL Directors

Kermit B. Channell, II | 2007 to present

Kermit Channell was appointed as Director by Governor Mike Beebe on , 2007. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Channell was the Scientific Operations Director for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. He served in a number of positions with the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory before his appointment as Director.

ASCL Directors

J.R. Howard | 2004 to 2007

J.R. Howard was appointed as Director by Governor Mike Huckabee on April 5, 2004. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Howard was the commander of the Law Enforcement Operations Bureau for the Arkansas State Police. He served in a number of positions with the Arkansas State Police before retiring after 33 years.

James T. Clark | 1985 to 1987 | 1989 to 2004

Mr. Clark, an Arkansas State Trooper and the Assistant Director under Mr. Oliver, was appointed Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in August 1985. Mr. Clark served as Director until December 1987 when he was appointed Director of the Arkansas Transportation Safety Agency.

Mr. Clark was re-appointed Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in 1989 and remains in the position at this time. Mr. Clark played an instrumental role in the laboratory's remodeling and expansion project in April 1997. Mr. Clark strives to keep the laboratory a professional, full service forensic laboratory by continually upgrading instruments and equipment as necessary.

Bill Cauthron | 1988 to 1989

Mr. Cauthron, retired Sheriff of Sebastian County, was appointed Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in September 1988 and served until his death in August 1989.

Howard "Bear" Chandler | 1988

Mr. Chandler, Chief Documents Examiner Arkansas State Crime Laboratory was appointed by Governor William Clinton as Interim Director in January 1988 and served until September 1988.

Henry Oliver | 1984 to 1985

Mr. Oliver, a retired FBI Special Agent and retired Chief of Police of the Fort Smith Police Department was appointed Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in September 1984. Mr. Oliver served for 11 months. Mr. Oliver later became Advisor to Governor William Clinton.

L.G. Holt M.D. | 1983 to 1984

Dr. Holt, former Pulaski County Coroner, was appointed Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in June 1983 and served until September 1984 when he retired for medical reasons.

Manuel Holcomb | 1981 to 1983

Mr. Holcomb, former Chief Chemist of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory was appointed by Governor Frank White in April 1981 as Executive Director. Mr. Holcomb served until June 1983.

Steve Nawojczyk | 1980 to 1981

Mr. Nawojczyk was appointed as Executive Director by Governor William Clinton in May 1980. Mr. Nawojczyk served as Director until April of 1981. Mr. Nawojczyk was subsequently elected Coroner of Pulaski County an office he held for several years.

Clay White | 1977 to 1980

Mr. White, a retired FBI Special Agent was appointed by Governor David Pryor as the first Executive Director of the Crime Laboratory on July 1, 1977. Mr. White served as Director until May 1980. In November of 1980 Mr. White was elected Sheriff of Garland County and held that office for 12 consecutive years.