Commission Members
Jimmy Ashley of Jonesboro (term expires in 2025)
Jimmy Ashley is no stranger to the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission. He was originally appointed to the Commission in December of 2001 and had previously worked with ASCC staff on local and statewide initiatives around the ADA and accessibility as well as serving as a peer counselor. In 2015, Jimmy was appointed to the commission by Governor Asa Hutchinson for a second term.
In 1980, Jimmy was a deputy sheriff in Mississippi County when he responded to a domestic dispute call in Wilson, Arkansas and was shot, damaging his spinal cord and resulting in a T10 incomplete injury. Since then, he has worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Army Corp of Engineers, and other groups to promote access to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.
Jon Bruning of Maumelle (term expires in 2023)
Jon David (JD) Bruning was appointed to the Commission by Governor Asa Hutchinson and sworn in on May 21, 2018. He was born and raised in the Little Rock area and currently lives in Maumelle. Jon David went to school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Finance. He was injured on July 6, 2013 in a diving accident and is a C5 level injury. He currently works in Little Rock as an estimator for Genesis Datacom.
Dr. Patricia Knott of Conway (term expires in 2029)
Dr. Patricia Knott was appointed to the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission by Governor Asa Hutchinson on October 23, 2019.
Dr. Knott is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans, LA; obtained her MD at Louisiana State Medical Center in New Orleans; and completed her residency at LSU Medical Center in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
She has practiced medicine for 29 years and has served as the Medical Director for two freestanding Rehabilitation hospitals.
Presently, Dr. Knott practices part-time in active patient care. She now serves on the the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board and the Spinal Cord Commission. She also works full time as a Medical Director for a major insurance company.
Her appointment to the Commission will expire on January 14, 2029.
LeDanté Walker of Hot Springs (term expires in 2026)
LeDanté Walker was appointed to the Commission by Governor Asa Hutchinson on October 16, 2017. LeDanté sustained a spinal cord injury in a single car accident in 1997. He was ejected from the back seat of the car causing a fractured neck and an SCI at the C4-C5 levels.
In 2010, LeDanté began working at the Spa Area Independent Living Center (also known as SAILS). He is currently working as an Independent Living Advocate / Targeted Case Manager and assists individuals with resources to ensure successful community living. LeDanté is also a certified Medicare counselor, homeowner advocate for Garland County Habitat for Humanity, member of the Difference Makers of Hot Springs, and currently sits on the Transportation Advisory Committee for the city of Hot Springs.
LeDanté currently resides in Hot Springs, AR. His work with independent living services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Commission. He continuously strives to reach others by setting an example for others based on how he lives.
Ronnie Wheeler of Crossett (term expires in 2021)
Ronnie Wheeler was appointed to the Commission on February 22, 2011 by Governor Mike Beebe. Ronnie sustained his spinal cord injury in 1984 when a mobile home fell on him. After his injury, he obtained his Bachelors degree in Marketing from University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ronnie worked in advocacy and job development for individuals with disabilities in Southeast Arkansas for over 20 years, before retiring in 2006. His knowledge of disability regulations and involvement with disability organizations and state agencies are great resources to the Commission.
Ronnie and his wife Becky live in Crossett, AR. They have two sons and daughters in law and five grandchildren.
