The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System has picked a former state senator to replace Paul Doane as executive director of the $10 billion system.

The system’s board voted 12-2 today to hire 50-year-old George Hopkins of Malvern to replace Paul Doane, who resigned amid criticism over his travel expenses. The job pays $153,000 a year.

Hopkins, a lawyer, served in the state Senate from 1987-2000. He served on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Retirement for eight years, six of them as the committee’s Senate chairman.

Richard Abernathy of Bryant, chairman of the retirement system’s board, said Hopkins came highly recommended and looked good in background checks and research on him.

Doane resigned in October after an audit showed he spent nearly half of his time on the job and more than $34,000 traveling out of state. Lawmakers criticized Doane for his travels, which included 18 trips to Massachusetts and three to New Mexico, where he has homes.

Hopkins pledges to bring frugality and transparency to the post.

He was one of two people interviewed for the position. The other was state Sen. Jim Argue, D-Little Rock, who was prevented by term limits from seeking re-election this year.

Tags: Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, George Hopkins, Paul Doane, Richard Abernathy

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