Treasurer Returns to Office After Stroke

Treasurer of State Mark Lowery has returned to the office after a stroke earlier this year resulted in weeks of rehabilitation.

Lowery, who was elected to the statewide office in November 2022, said he's happy to be back and is thankful for his staff who kept the office operating during his recovery.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Arkansas and soon to be back in the office full-time. It was great to be able to come back to the Capitol and personally thank the staff for the amazing work they have done while I’ve been gone. I am very proud of the team we’ve assembled and the level of pride they have taken in accomplishing the goals of the Treasury in my absence," he said.

Lowery’s office announced in March that he had a “health-related concern” that later was confirmed as a stroke. He spent time in Maryland with his daughter and family members recovering from an “ischemic stroke,” which can occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, reduced or blocked, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.

“I can’t tell you all how much I appreciate the encouraging words, cards, and prayers I have received from friends and residents from around the state,” Lowery said in a statement his office released this Spring.

As he returns to the office, where will his priorities be?

"In the coming months, I look forward to continuing our work on The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan, financial literacy and education for all Arkansans, and the critical issue of cybersecurity. We will be presenting our new cybersecurity initiative at the next State Board of Finance meeting and displaying my office’s continuing commitment to decreasing cybersecurity threats and protecting Arkansan’s money and data. This new program will put Arkansas at the forefront of cybersecurity technology, and I look forward to sharing our advances in this area soon,” he said.

Lowery, a Republican from Maumelle, served for over a decade in the Arkansas Legislature as a State Representative.