Ron Henson Sworn In As State Treasurer

BATON ROUGE, La. - Ron Henson was sworn in Friday as state treasurer. The oath of office, administered by 1st Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Duke Welch, took place in Gov. Huey P. Long's office at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

Ron Henson is sworn in as state treasurer by 1st Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Duke Welch. In the center is the Rev. Frederick Mack of Beech Grove Baptist Church.

The position of State Treasurer has been a constitutional office since Louisiana's statehood in 1812. Treasurer Henson is the 23rd person to hold the office since the position of state treasurer was decided by an election of the citizens of Louisiana. Prior to 1855, the Treasurer was elected by the General Assembly. Treasurer Henson was preceded by John Neely Kennedy, who resigned upon his election to the U.S. Senate. He will serve until a special election is held later this year.

"I have dedicated my life's work to public service," said Treasurer Henson. "It has been my honor to serve in leadership roles across state government, and it is my honor to carry on the example set by U.S. Sen. John Kennedy. John has mentored me and supported me since we first worked together in Gov. Roemer's transition office. I would not be Treasurer today if it weren't for John Neely Kennedy."

Henson was named first assistant treasurer in 2000. In that role, he oversaw a budget in excess of $10 million and more than 80 employees. He previously was undersecretary of both the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. He was deputy chief of staff to Gov. Buddy Roemer and served 14 years in the newly created Legislative Fiscal Office. A native of Arkansas, Henson holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Louisiana Tech University and attended the University of Arkansas.

(Press release from the State Treasurer's Office)