LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The American Legion’s Arkansas Boys State has announced key appointments to its core leadership team, naming Craig DePew as Director of Staff and Tom Hamaker as Director of Operations.
The appointments reflect decades of combined volunteer leadership and administrative service within Arkansas Boys State, as both DePew and Hamaker step into their new roles after serving in various roles across the program.
“Both Craig and Tom embody the mission and spirit of Arkansas Boys State,” said Dr. Lloyd Jackson, Executive Director of Arkansas Boys State. “Having served our program for years in every level of staff leadership, they bring unmatched experience, dedication, and vision. I am confident in their ability to lead our staff and operations, especially as our program grows and changes rapidly to support Arkansas’ students and as we near the 100th anniversary of Arkansas Boys State.”
Craig DePew — Director of Staff
DePew, a native of Farmington, first attended Arkansas Boys State as a delegate in 2001. Over his 25-year involvement with the program, DePew has served as a Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Media Relations Coordinator, Assistant Office Manager, Office Manager, and, most recently, as Director of Operations. In his new role as Director of Staff, DePew will oversee staff recruitment, leadership development, counselor alignment, and counselor support throughout the annual session.
“I’ve met so many great people throughout my 25 years of service,” DePew said. “I look forward to building relationships and investing time and energy into our already stellar staff.”
Tom Hamaker — Director of Operations
Hamaker, a native of Hampton, attended Arkansas Boys State as a delegate in 2014. His staff service began in 2015 as a Junior Counselor before he stepped into additional leadership roles as State Counselor and Special Projects Coordinator, Office Manager, and Assistant Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Hamaker will lead overall operational strategy, scheduling and logistics, facility coordination, and daily session administration.
“Everyone comes back to this program because of this incredible experience that we only got to have because great men created this space for us to make life-changing connections,” Hamaker said. “It’s exciting to pay that forward. It’s exciting to give more young men the spaces, resources, and opportunities to have that experience, too.”
About Arkansas Boys State
Arkansas Boys State, sponsored by The American Legion Department of Arkansas, is an immersive civics education and leadership experience for male high school juniors. Since 1940, the program has helped prepare more than 60,000 young Arkansans for lives of citizenship, public service, and leadership. For more information, visit arboysstate.org.