ABOUT PINNACLE POLICY GROUP

PPG was founded to provide disciplined, relationship-driven government affairs counsel grounded in firsthand experience and trusted relationships across Arkansas government.

Our firm brings a practical understanding of how policy decisions are made and implemented, helping clients engage with confidence and clarity in complex government environments.

Charlie Spakes
Founder & Principal | Pinnacle Policy Group

Experience Includes:

  • Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson — Legislative Staff

  • Chief Executive Officer, Arkansas Retail Association

  • State Government Affairs Lead, Black Hills Energy

  • Appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas Pollution Control & Ecology Commission

Charlie Spakes is the founder and principal of Pinnacle Policy Group. His career spans every seat at the Arkansas policy table.

Charlie began as legislative staff in the Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson — drafting bills, shaping policy, and managing relationships between the executive branch and the General Assembly. He has also practiced law in Arkansas, with a focus on bill drafting, regulatory comment, and legislative strategy.

As CEO of the Arkansas Retail Association, he directed legislative, regulatory, and political strategy for one of the state's largest statewide trade associations.

As State Government Affairs Lead at Black Hills Energy, he ran legislative and regulatory engagement with the Arkansas General Assembly and the Public Service Commission.

In 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Charlie to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission.

Charlie is known for disciplined preparation, executive-level communication, and a relationship-driven approach to advocacy. His experience across executive branch government, association leadership, regulated industry, and regulatory board service provides clients with strategic insight grounded in how Arkansas policy decisions are made.

Charlie lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife and three daughters and works extensively in Little Rock. He represents clients statewide.