Arkansas / AR Public Defender Commission

Agency file

AR Public Defender Commission

Source file: Arkansas — State Employee Compensation / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The AR Public Defender Commission handles legal functions of government — prosecution, legal advice, and representing the state in court.

In 2026, this agency had 389 employees with median total compensation of $59,625; the highest distinct record was $182,485.

Year: 2026
Total payroll: $28.4M
Employees: 389
Median total: $59,625
Highest record: $182,485

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$21,486$151,435+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How 2026 total compensation is spread across the 389 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($59,625) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $72,981 (100%)
Overtime — $0 (0%)
Other — $0 (0%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$40,000

$51,343

$59,625

$88,790

$127,085

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $127,085 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $40,000. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Public Defender II

93 · $53,152

Public Defender I

74 · $47,245

Public Defender III

69 · $114,390

Legal Support Specialist

63 · $52,137

Chief Public Defender I

33 · $135,704

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Page 1

Christopher Nance

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$118,623

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $118,623
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $118,623
Hire date: 01-02-1998
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095129

Christopher Nance works as a Public Defender III for AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 01-02-1998. Christopher earned $118,623 in 2026. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Ernie Woodard

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$118,623

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $118,623
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $118,623
Hire date: 04-22-2009
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22184500

Ernie Woodard is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 04-22-2009. 2026 total compensation came to $118,623. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Jason Mitchell

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$118,120

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $118,120
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $118,120
Hire date: 01-01-2003
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22168737

Jason Mitchell holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 01-01-2003. In 2026, their total compensation was $118,120. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Margaret Egan

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$117,449

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $117,449
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $117,449
Hire date: 06-03-2024
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095128

Margaret Egan works as a Public Defender III for AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 06-03-2024. Margaret earned $117,449 in 2026. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Kenneth Warford

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$116,699

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $116,699
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,699
Hire date: 04-12-1997
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095127

At AR Public Defender Commission, Kenneth Warford serves as a Public Defender III within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 04-12-1997. Their 2026 pay totaled $116,699. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Joseph Iii

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$115,826

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $115,826
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $115,826
Hire date: 08-20-2001
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095134

Joseph Iii holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 08-20-2001. In 2026, their total compensation was $115,826. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Thomas Kendrick

Public Defender II/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$115,532

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $115,532
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $115,532
Hire date: 01-07-2013
Pay grade: Spc05
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD04P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079211

Thomas Kendrick holds the role of Public Defender II at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 01-07-2013. In 2026, their total compensation was $115,532. Their pay grade is Spc05.

Caren Harp

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 01-10-2018
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22184482

Caren Harp works as a Public Defender III for AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 01-10-2018. Caren earned $114,390 in 2026. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Leah Lanford

Attorney III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 08-17-2009
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LAT05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095147

Leah Lanford holds the role of Attorney III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 08-17-2009. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Tisha Martin

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 05-21-2017
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095083

Tisha Martin holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 05-21-2017. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Arron Glass

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 02-11-2018
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095102

Arron Glass holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 02-11-2018. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Tonia Acker

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 11-27-2023
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22162546

At AR Public Defender Commission, Tonia Acker serves as a Public Defender III within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 11-27-2023. Their 2026 pay totaled $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

William Snowden

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 07-04-2024
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095085

William Snowden is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 07-04-2024. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Andrew Best

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 08-11-2000
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22168738

Andrew Best holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 08-11-2000. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Jill Irwin

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 09-18-2006
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22181898

Jill Irwin is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 09-18-2006. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Billy Hubbell

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 11-11-2022
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22179437

Billy Hubbell is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 11-11-2022. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Christen Carter

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 01-25-2021
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095100

Christen Carter holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 01-25-2021. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Jennifer Olson

Attorney III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 10-01-2007
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LAT05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095146

Jennifer Olson is a Attorney III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 10-01-2007. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Patrick Flake

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 02-10-2014
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095066

Patrick Flake holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 02-10-2014. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Jordan Compton

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 07-05-2016
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22164324

Jordan Compton works as a Public Defender III for AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 07-05-2016. Jordan earned $114,390 in 2026. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Rena Wright

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 07-30-2017
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095109

Rena Wright holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 07-30-2017. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.

Jason Ables

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 03-26-2012
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22079295

Jason Ables is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 03-26-2012. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Paul Teufel

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 11-26-2000
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095138

Paul Teufel is a Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 11-26-2000. 2026 total compensation came to $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

Christina Scherrey

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 01-08-2007
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22177329

At AR Public Defender Commission, Christina Scherrey serves as a Public Defender III within Specialized Services. Records show a hire date of 01-08-2007. Their 2026 pay totaled $114,390. They are classified at grade Spc08.

William Dunham

Public Defender III/AR Public Defender Commission

2026 total comp

$114,390

Sub-department: Specialized Services
Base pay: $114,390
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,390
Hire date: 10-08-2018
Pay grade: Spc08
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1

Source-specific fields

Job Classification Code: LPD05P
Pay Scale Type: Classified
Position Number: 22095060

William Dunham holds the role of Public Defender III at AR Public Defender Commission within Specialized Services. Their hire date on record is 10-08-2018. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,390. Their pay grade is Spc08.