Senator Ben Gilmore was elected to the Senate in November 2020 and is currently serving his second term. Ben was elected by his Senate colleagues to serve as the vice-chair of the Arkansas Legislative Council and chair of the Forestry Caucus. Ben currently serves as the chair of the Joint Energy committee and is a member of the Judiciary, Budget, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development committees. Before being elected, Ben served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, where he has boldly advocated for state government reform, lower taxes, and STEM education. Ben previously served as a Field Representative for Congressman Bruce Westerman in the Fourth Congressional District, where he worked on important issues facing the forestry and agricultural industries in southeast Arkansas. While attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Ben worked at the Crossett Public Library where he served in the Public Relations role. While at the library, Ben advocated for reading and STEM education. Prior to serving at the library Ben was a licensed electrical apprentice. Ben is a small business owner and consultant specializing in strategic communications and marketing.  Ben has actively served the community and has supported economic development efforts in southeast Arkansas. Ben has served on the Crossett Chamber of Commerce Board, the Crossett Beautification Committee, the Crossett Committee for the Future, Ashley County United Fund Board, and currently serves on the Friends of the Library Board. Ben is a graduate of the Delta Regional Authority’s Leadership Institute, FBI Citizens Academy, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class. Ben is a skilled violinist, a member of the First Baptist Church of Crossett and has served as Trustee of the Church. He is also a member of the Crossett Chamber of Commerce, the National Rifle Association (NRA), Arkansas Farm Bureau, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).