InVeritas of Little Rock announced Monday that State Commissioner of Revenues Tim Leathers would join them as vice president of consulting on Jan. 1.
Leathers is also deputy director of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
He will provide strategic guidance and support to the public affairs firm’s clients based on his decades of experience in finance, government and law, according to a news release. InVertitas’ primary practice areas include public relations, management consulting, government relations and market research.
“Tim has served as a loyal and trusted advisor to seven governors in his nearly 40-year career with the state of Arkansas,” CEO Ruth Whitney said. “His extensive experience, contacts and ability to work with individuals on both sides of the aisle will broaden the firm’s practice and reinforce our track record of success.”
Leathers began his career with the DFA in 1977 as a legal assistant and later served as a revenue tax attorney. He was appointed chief counsel in 1982 – a position he held for seven years before being hired as commissioner of revenues.
Leathers has served as deputy director and commissioner of revenues since 1994. He managed 2,500 employees and oversaw the budget, personnel management, accounting, purchasing and revenue offices.
Under his tenure, the state implemented the Arkansas Tax Procedure Act, which provided a standard process for the administration of all state taxes and fair method for taxpayers to comply with tax laws. He is also responsible for the current organizational structure of the DFA.
Leathers earned his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps.