New appointee, Joyce Randle, tabbed for chief of staff role

By Arkansas Black Vitality Staff

May 6, 2025 – Mayor Frank Scott Jr. announced Monday (May 5) that his longtime chief of staff and top advisor has stepped down after more than six years with the city’s first duly elected Black mayor.

According to the mayor’s office, Chief of Staff Kendra Pruitt will transition from her role in city government to pursue new leadership opportunities beyond Little Rock. Joycelin Randle will serve as the new chief of staff, starting immediately.

In announcing the changes, Scott praised Pruitt for her transformative contributions to the administration and her commitment to advancing people-powered policies, efficiency, and excellence in public service.

“I often say, ‘Kendra Pruitt is my left and right brain. From advising on my campaign for Mayor to developing and implementing our policy platform — and eventually leading day-to-day operations at City Hall — she has been an integral part of my success,” said Scott, who made history on Dec. 4, 2018, as the city’s first elected African American mayor. “We are grateful for her steadfast servant leadership.”

Pruitt joined Scott’s administration in 2019 as senior advisor and chief strategy officer, the first appointment under the mayor’s historic tenure. In that role, she led the development and execution of the mayor’s policy agenda. In 2022, she was promoted to chief of staff, replacing former state legislator Charles Blake. In that role, she oversaw strategic operations, internal coordination, and delivery of city services across departments.

After questions over a lack of transparency with his administration, rising crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, and controversies involving a citywide festival that was eventually cancelled, Scott easily won a hard-fought re-election bid in November 2022 for a second four-year term with Pruitt guiding his agenda.

“My time in Little Rock has been the most rewarding chapter of my career,” said Pruitt, an attorney. “It has been an honor to help shape the vision, policies, and operations of a city I deeply love. Now, I’m stepping into a new calling — one that allows me to take the lessons learned, the expertise built, and the passion I carry into communities beyond Little Rock.”

An Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia graduate who earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in 2013, Pruitt has not shared the details of her future position. Her website, KendraPruitt.com, promises a “coming soon” revamp for her admirers. Scott called his new appointee, Randle, a “public servant and community connector.” She is the daughter of Marvin Benton, a Little Rock firefighter hero and retired City of Little Rock parking services manager. Most recently, she served as senior manager for investor relations and stakeholder engagement for Southern Bancorp. Randle is a lifelong North Little Rock resident and will relocate to Little Rock for her new role.

“Joycelin Randle is a proven leader who understands operations and the power of partnerships,” said Mayor Scott. “I’m excited to welcome her to the team.”