Leadership Arkansas – Current Class
Class of 2024/2025
Leadership Arkansas
Allow us to introduce Leadership Arkansas Class XIX. The Leadership Arkansas Selection Committee carefully worked to identify 53 individuals from a diverse set of industries across the state to participate in the 2024-2025 program. The members of Leadership Arkansas XIX have two things in common: all are leaders in their respective communities and industries, and all are committed to making Arkansas a better place to live and work.
Leadership Arkansas Class XIX - 2024 / 2025
Catherine Beasley
University of Arkansas
Catherine Beasley currently serves as the Director for Industry and Community Engagement in the Division of Economic Development at the University of Arkansas. In this role she is dedicated to fostering collaboration between the Universi...
Grant Brewer
University of Arkansas
Grant Brewer serves as the Director of Professional and Workforce Development for the University of Arkansas through the Global Campus. He specializes in finding ways to partner with industry, business leaders, government agencies, and o...
Malcolm K. Briggs
Wells Fargo Advisors
Malcolm has been a financial advisor for more than a decade and he considers it a great honor and privilege to serve as a trusted financial partner for my clients. As a financial advisor, he understands the importance of actively listeni...
C.J. Brown
Southwest Power Pool
C.J. Brown is Sr. Director of System Operations Policy and Performance Support at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a grid operator responsible for ensuring the affordable and reliable supply of wholesale electricity in a region spanning 14 st...
Jeremy W. Brown
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Jeremy is a native of Hot Springs and graduated from Mountain Pine High School. He went on to further his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Master of Science in Leadership, both from Joh...
Lt. Col. Erin Burns
Arkansas National Guard
Erin Burns currently serves as Legislative Liaison for the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Erin supports over 8000 members of the Arkansas National Guard by coordinating directly with fe...
Alyssa Carter
Russellville Chamber of Commerce
Alyssa Carter serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce and the Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance. With 17 years of experience in banking and compliance, she brings a wealth of knowle...
Nicholas Colclough
Riceland Foods
Nicholas Colclough serves as the Director of Milling Operations at Riceland Foods, Stuttgart, Arkansas. With over two decades of experience spanning General Electric, Tyson, and Dewafelbakkers, Nicholas has consistently delivered transfo...
Chris Cook
Entergy Arkansas
This US Air Force Veteran began his career with Entergy Arkansas in 2005 as a helper on the Warren Network Line Crew, He is in his 20th year of service to the company. So far, he has been a Journeyman Lineman, an Operations Coordinator, ...
Mallory Darby
Mississippi County Economic Development
Mallory Darby is an accomplished Vice President for Mississippi County Economic Development with a solid background in economic development, research, site development, and certification. She holds a B.B.A in Marketing and Management fro...
Justin Davis
Wright’s BBQ
Justin Davis was born and raised in the small town of Paron, AR, a rural community outside of Little Rock. Justin grew up in a hard working, blue collar household. Despite his father not graduating high school, he started his own HVAC bu...
Jessica Feltz
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Jessica Feltz currently serves as the Social Science Program Lead at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In this role, she gets the opportunity to bridge two of her passions: people and the outdoors. Jessica was born and raised in the...
Daron Frederick
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation
Daron Frederick serves as the Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
His educational career is noted with both MIS and MBA degrees. Daron has been certified in Fiber Optic engineer...
Tina Gabbard
Cox Communications
Tina Gabbard is the Market Vice President for Cox’s Greater Arkansas market. In this role, she is the local senior executive responsible for cross-functional engagement with employees, customers and community and business leaders. Prior ...
Kyle Gaither
FutureFuel Chemical Company
Kyle was born and raised in Batesville, Arkansas, and graduated from Batesville High School in 1986. He attended Lyon College and transferred to the University of Arkansas obtaining a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering in...
Lane Gammel
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Lane Gammel originally joined Goodwill Industries of Arkansas in August of 2022 where he spent one year as director of marketing and community engagement for the non-profit. He took a nine-month hiatus to serve as director of communicati...
Keith Gammill
AEDC-Manufacturing Solutions
Keith is a lifelong native of Arkansas and a twenty-year veteran of industry. He is an energetic, experienced, and trustworthy advocate for manufacturing in Arkansas. Prior to joining AMS Keith spent five years in the wood industry and t...
Jacob Garrett
AT&T
Jacob Garrett is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader known for his innovative approach to driving operational excellence and fostering meaningful relationships. With a rich career spanning over two decades at AT&T, Jacob has consis...
Marq Golden
UAMS
Marq Golden defines himself a true public servant. He has twenty years of experience within government and politics where he shares his knowledge with colleagues and stakeholders. Marq’s experience has been defined by taking on challenge...
Jessica Gray
Signature Bank of Arkansas
Jessica Gray is a native of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Since that time, she has worked in several different industries, including hospitality, pha...
Monty Harrington
Farmers Bank & Trust
Monty Harrington was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas. He graduated in 1993 from Southern Arkansas University with a degree in Finance. In 2006, he graduated from Barrett School of Banking in Memphis and graduated from Southwestern ...
Allison Hatfield
Arkansas Department of Commerce
Allison Hatfield serves as Chief of Staff and General Counsel at the Arkansas Department of Commerce. She previously served as a law clerk at the Arkansas Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Ark...
Melissa Hendricks
UA Pulaski Technical College
Melissa Hendricks, CFRE, is the Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Executive Director of the UA Pulaski Technical College. Prior to her current position, she served as the Foundation Director for Centers for Youth and Families.
Melissa i...
Marcus Hopkins
W&W|AFCO Steel
Marcus began work at W&W|AFCO Steel as an Engineering Intern while completing his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. He began working full time as an Assistant Project Manager and oversaw the steel erector, sch...
Stephen Houserman
City of Clarksville
Stephen Houserman is in his fifth year as the Economic Development Director for the City of Clarksville, Arkansas. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Stephen joined the Marine Corps in 2008, completing multiple overseas deployments. In...
Shanda Hunter
Southwestern Electric Power Company
Shanda Hunter is a seasoned communications professional with more than two decades of experience in storytelling and strategic communication. Currently serving as a Senior Corporate Communications Consultant at Southwestern Electric Powe...
Dr. Russell Jones
Arkansas Tech University
Dr. Russell Jones was born and raised in Eastern Arkansas. He started his college education by attending Phillips County Community College in Helena, followed by attending Arkansas State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree i...
Steve Jones
Dassault Falcon Jet
Steve Jones has worked at Dassault Falcon Jet in Little Rock, AR for 23 years. He is currently the Director of Engineering. In his current role, he is responsible for the release of equipped cabinetry definition, including structural sub...
T.J. Lawhon
Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP
T.J. Lawhon is a partner at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings law firm in Little Rock Arkansas who dedicates his legal practice to the areas of state and local tax, real estate, and corporate governance matters. As a business-minded attorne...
Mark McHale
Ritter Communications
Mark McHale joined Ritter Communications in January 2022 as Vice President, Public Affairs and Community Relations.
Mark’s background in strategic communications, public policy, media relations, and technology services is valuable ...
Robin Mizell
Black Hills Energy
Robin Mizell, APR, joined Black Hills Energy in 2021 and serves as senior public affairs manager for the company’s Arkansas natural gas service territory.
With more than 25 years of public relations, project management and development ex...
Garrett Morgan
ARcare
Garrett is a transformative leader in the healthcare industry, bringing 15 years of leadership experience to his role. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, where he was also a member of the football team...
Travis Mosler
Central Moloney
Travis Mosler is the Marketing Director at Central Moloney (CMI) and brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas Honors College with a BA in Digital Filmmaking, Travis further h...
Andrew Norman
Nabholz Construction
Andrew Norman grew up in Bryant, Arkansas attending Bryant Public Schools where he graduated in 2003. After high school Andrew attended college at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Ma...
Anna Oberste
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
With over three decades of progressive experience in the hospitality industry, Anna Oberste is a distinguished sales leader renowned for her exceptional ability to build relationships and elevate customer service. As a seasoned professio...
Christian O’Neal
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Christian O’Neal is the Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a strong passion for education and a deep understanding of the power of philanthropy, he has been instrumental in advancing ...
Kylie Parker
ECCI
Since joining ECCI in 2014, Kylie Parker has consistently demonstrated her expertise in civil engineering and project management, advancing from a promising young engineer to the role of Director of Operations. Her career trajectory high...
Steven Person
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
Steven Person is a resident of Little Rock. Here, he helps raise his two children, Jayden and Anaya. Both of whom attend Parkview Arts & Science Magnet. Steven has been a faithful member of Mt Pleasant Baptist Church in North Little ...
Jennifer M. Quezada
Walmart
Jennifer M. Quezada is an accomplished attorney and dynamic leader with a diverse background in ethics, compliance, and litigation. Currently serving as a Director in the US Ethics organization at Walmart.
Jennifer’s legal career began a...
Sammy A. Sanchez
Nucor
Sammy Sanchez is a Nucor Arkansas supervisor. He has over 17 years of experience in the steel industry. Sammy has served on many safety, leadership, and development teams for Nucor. His role involves analyzing budgets, implementing desig...
Col. Anthony Sanders
Arkansas National Guard
Colonel (COL) Anthony Q. Sanders began his military career in 1993 by enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a Private Second Class. He received his commission from the Arkansas Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School...
Hana Settles
Saracen Casino Resort
Hana Settles is the Digital Marketing Manager at Saracen Casino Resort.
Born and raised in Wynne, Arkansas, Hana is a Wynne High School alum from the class of 2013 with a lot of YellowJacket pride still near and dear to her heart. She is...
Stephanie Sharp
Summit Utilities
Stephanie Sharp is a communications professional with experience spanning corporate communications, public sector, politics, and journalism. Currently serving as the Senior Communications and External Affairs Strategist for Summit Utilit...
Dustin Tackett
Garver
After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in civil engineering in 2007, Greenbrier-native Dustin Tackett began his full-time career with Garver, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm. From intern to project manager, ...
Lindsey Vechik
Tyson Foods Inc.
Lindsey Vechik is an experienced in-house attorney with a robust background in employment litigation. Currently, she serves as Corporate Counsel at Tyson Foods Inc., providing comprehensive legal support and handling a diverse range of e...
Amy Whitehead
University of Central Arkansas
Amy Whitehead has served as Chief of Staff at the University of Central Arkansas since 2019. In this role, Amy oversees the Office of the President, University Police, Media Relations, Human Resources and Risk Management, and Special Eve...
Josh Wilson
Ozarka College
Dr. Josh Wilson serves as vice president of advancement for Ozarka College in Melbourne, Arkansas. In this role Dr. Wilson leads the College Foundation and all fundraising activities, marketing and public relations, community outreach, a...
Crenisha Wright
Arkansas Foodbank
Crenisha Wright, Chief Information Officer at Arkansas Foodbank, has leveraged her 20+ years of IT expertise to drive transformational change in the organization. With a strong foundation in IT management, business intelligence, and arti...
Tim Wright
Lockheed Martin
Tim was born and raised in Camden, Arkansas. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1993 and worked for four and a half years at International Paper concurrently as the Operations Manager for his family’s business, Wright Trenching Se...
Alison Wynne
Crafton Tull
Alison Wynne is the Chief Financial Officer at Crafton Tull in Rogers. She currently oversees the company’s financial operations and works closely with leadership to develop strategic financial plans and provide ongoing financial analysi...