F.G. “Buddy” Villines ’69, has served as county judge in Pulaski County, Ark., since 1991, a position he was elected to after serving six years on the Little Rock Board of Directors, including two years as Mayor of Little Rock. His public service has been marked by leadership in issues involving economic growth, education and the environment.
As County Judge, the chief executive officer of county government, he has overseen the construction of nearly $150 million in projects including the Two Rivers Park Bridge; the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge in the world specifically designed for that purpose; and the Junction Bridge, a historic railroad bridge converted for pedestrian use.
Villines earned degrees from Hendrix and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. He is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star. He has received awards recognizing his work as a humanitarian, his support of green building techniques, and his role as an advocate and leader in creating public spaces where people want to live, work and play. He has served as president of County Executives of America, the National Association of Regional Councils, and the National Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.