Mike Cranford is a dedicated public servant who served two terms as the elected Little River County Judge from 2015 to 2022. As County Judge, Mike led initiatives that significantly benefited the residents of Little River County, showcasing his commitment to improving local infrastructure and public services. His leadership in this role followed a long history of civic engagement, including 14 years as the elected Foreman City Recorder/Treasurer.
A lifelong resident of Foreman, Arkansas, Mike has been deeply involved in his community beyond his public offices. He has served as past president of the Little River Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the UA Cossatot Board of Visitors. He has also been appointed by both Governor Mike Huckabee and Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve on important state commissions, including the Governor’s Commission for People with Disabilities and the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission.
Mike’s passion for helping others is further demonstrated by his founding of the Southern Sportsmen Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor and hunting opportunities for individuals with severe mobility impairments or life-threatening illnesses. He also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Foreman and remains active in the Masonic community as a perpetual member of Rocky Comfort Masonic Lodge #468 and Ashdown Masonic Lodge #581, as well as a 32° Scottish Rite Mason.
After graduating Cum Laude in 2005 from UA Cossatot with an AAS in Accounting, Mike has continuously applied his education and practical experience to support various local boards and commissions.
EDUCATION
- UA Cossatot – Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, Graduated Cum Laude, 2005
APPOINTMENTS & POSITIONS
- Elected Little River County Judge, 2015-2022
- Elected Foreman City Recorder/Treasurer, 2000-2014
- Appointed to Governor’s Commission for People with Disabilities
- Appointed to Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission, 2009-2019, 2021-Present
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Deacon at First Baptist Church of Foreman
- Founder & President of Southern Sportsmen Foundation
- Perpetual Member of Rocky Comfort Masonic Lodge #468 F&AM and Ashdown Masonic Lodge #581 F&AM
- Chairman of UA Cossatot Board of Visitors
