Mark Lowery: Arkansas Treasurer Dies At Age 66
Arkansas State Treasurer Mark Lowery passed away this morning at the age of 66, as announced by his office today. His daughter, Erin Lowery, revealed that her father was surrounded by family and peacefully passed away. The sudden loss comes just after Lowery’s announcement on Tuesday of his plans to retire on September 30.
Stephen Bright, chief of staff at the Office of the Treasurer, expressed devastation in a news release, stating, “Losing Mark represents a huge loss for the entire staff. Mark was an incredible leader and a humble public servant, and this was unexpected. It’s definitely going to take us time to process this. We ask that you keep Mark’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
A Republican from Maumelle, Mark Lowery was sworn in as the state treasurer on January 10, succeeding Benton Republican Dennis Milligan, who now serves as the state auditor. Unfortunately, Lowery suffered a stroke in March, followed by a more severe stroke in mid-June, leading to the decision to retire on Tuesday, allowing him to focus on his health.
The state treasury will continue to be managed by Stephen Bright and Deputy Treasurer Eric Munson until Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appoints a replacement for Lowery, as per the treasurer’s office.
Sanders’ appointee to replace Lowery as state treasurer will serve until January 2025, and in the 2024 general election, a replacement state treasurer will be elected to complete the final two years of Lowery’s four-year term.
As the state treasurer, Mark Lowery was responsible for overseeing the state treasury’s investment portfolio, which is valued at approximately $11 billion. He also served on the state Board of Finance and the board of trustees for significant entities such as the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System, the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the Arkansas State Highway Employees Retirement System, and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.
Mark Lowery’s career was marked by dedicated public service. Prior to becoming the State Treasurer, he served in the state House of Representatives from 2013 until this year and held two terms as chairman of the House Insurance and Commerce Committee. His passion for public service began in the mid-1990s when he served as chief of staff for then-Lt. Gov. Mike Huckabee. Lowery earned a master’s degree in communications from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in 2000.
Throughout his life, Lowery held various positions, including editor of the Maumelle Monitor and the Sherwood Voice. He also taught communications at the University of Central Arkansas and Henderson State University. Additionally, from 2003 to 2011, he served as the lobbyist and executive director of the Arkansas chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
Mark Lowery’s contributions to Arkansas politics will be remembered, and his passing is a significant loss for the state. Arkansas mourns the loss of a dedicated leader, and thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.