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.
Mike Cranford of Foreman (term expires in 2019)
Mike Cranford was appointed to the Commission by Governor Mike Beebe on January 26, 2009. In 1988, while attending a holiday beach party on the Red River, Mike made an ill-fated dive into shallow water, injuring his spinal cord at C6. He attended Southern Arkansas University and UA-Cossatot where he received his A.A.S. in Accounting. He is currently serving as the county judge for Little River County. Mike is a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Foreman. He is involved in numerous civic and service organizations including the County Judges Association of Arkansas and Association of Arkansas Counties.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman who says he "works to be able to hunt." He is the founder and president of Southern Sportsmen Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that is dedicated to providing quality hunting and outdoor opportunities to men, women, and children with severe mobility impairments and/or life-threatening illnesses. Mike's knowledge and personal experience in state and local government are a great resource to the Commission. He lives with his family in Foreman, AR.
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.
