LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Boys State has named Devante Johnson as Assistant Director of Operations for the program, which has transformed the lives of young men throughout the state and beyond since 1940.

Johnson first attended Arkansas Boys State during his delegate year in 2010, in which he represented Hot Springs High School and was elected as Arkansas Boys State Speaker of the House. He has served the program since as a junior counselor, state counselor, senior counselor and has also supported the office and medical teams.

“During my time with Arkansas Boys State, I have watched the continuous impact that it has on our students and state and I’m grateful for the chance to serve with this life-changing program” Johnson said. “With this opportunity, I hope to help grow our reach across the state, to ensure our summer program runs accordingly, and to adjust and adapt in new ways so that the young men have the absolute best experience. That’s the ultimate goal at the end of the day.”

Johnson is a Systems Engineer Analyst at Walmart’s Home Office as part of the Digital Media Services team in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he, his wife and three kids recently relocated.

“I’m especially looking forward to seeing how we can grow our digital capabilities to support and enhance our students’ experiences at Arkansas Boys State,” Johnson added. “Our students are a diverse and intelligent group and it’s incredibly important to me that we meet them where they’re at socially, technologically, and beyond.”

Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State, said he looks forward to seeing Johnson’s impressive skillset and passion for the program at work.

“Devante’s passion for the program and willingness to serve where he’s needed has demonstrated that he’s ready for this exciting leadership opportunity with Arkansas Boys State,” Jackson said. “His work experiences and desire to enhance the delegate experience are going to be game-changers for the work we do, and I’m looking forward to sharing this important work together.”

Arkansas Boys State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Since 1940, the week-long summer program has transformed the next generation of leaders throughout the state and beyond. These men have become state, national, and international leaders, including Pres. Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chiefs of Staff Mack McLarty and Jack Watson Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp.

During their week at Arkansas Boys State, delegates are assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week’s end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making life-long memories and friends — all with the guiding principle that “Democracy Depends on Me.” Learn more at arboysstate.org.