Solomon joined Heartland Forward in 2023 as director of public policy. In this role he works to advance Heartland Forward’s advocacy and public policy activities for its four program areas across the 20-state heartland region including leading the Connecting the Heartland initiative. He is also developing strategies for operationalizing Heartland Forward’s research and programmatic work by increasing brand awareness, fostering public-sector partnerships and positioning the organization as a leader on policy solutions.

Prior to joining Heartland Forward, Solomon served as secretary of corrections for former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. In this role he served as chief executive of the Department and was widely acknowledged for providing values-driven, transparent leadership, while maintaining a focus on public-safety. 

Solomon currently serves, by gubernatorial appointment, as a commissioner on Arkansas State Claims Commission. He has been recognized by Arkansas Business as both a 40 Under 40 Honoree and one of the 250 Most Influential Arkansans. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a master’s in public administration from Webster University.