Penn was appointed 2nd ADVA Secretary on January 10, 2023.

 “I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve and support Arkansas veterans, many of whom I served alongside in uniform for 34 years,” said Penn.

 Prior to his appointment as ADVA Secretary, Penn served as The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard for three years. 

 Penn credits Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for the ongoing cooperation between her office and ADVA. 

 “Secretary Penn’s life has been defined by service and his latest chapter serving our veterans has been no different,” said Governor Sanders. “Kendall leaves big shoes to fill, but I look forward to building on his accomplishments as we find new ways to attract veterans to our state, serve them while they’re here, and honor them for the sacrifices they’ve made for our nation.”

 “I’m proud of the progress we have made together. Our team has significantly improved veteran outreach, provided stellar nursing home care for our elderly veteran population, and significantly improved our cemetery operations,” said Penn.

 The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is a state agency created in 1923 by the Arkansas General Assembly to connect veterans and their dependents to state and federal services. ADVA employs 300 personnel in support of Arkansas veterans and their families statewide. 

 The Governor has not yet named a replacement for the Secretary.