State Chamber, Associated Industries of Arkansas announce 2025 board of directors
Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux to chair State Chamber board, Nabholz Construction Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer Brad Hegeman to chair AIA board
January 8, 2025 (Little Rock, Ark.) – The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce (State Chamber) and the Associated Industries of Arkansas Inc. (AIA) today announced new board leadership for 2025. Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, has been elected chairman of the State Chamber board of directors, while Brad Hegeman, vice chairman and chief strategy officer at Nabholz Corporation, will continue as chairman of the AIA board of directors.
“I am thrilled to partner with Laura and Brad as we continue to make Arkansas an exceptional place to do business,” said Randy Zook, president and CEO of the State Chamber and AIA. “Both leaders bring a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to their roles, and I look forward to the progress we will achieve under their guidance.”
Laura Landreaux
Landreaux brings extensive experience to her role as chairman of the State Chamber board. As president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, she leads efforts to deliver reliable and sustainable energy to approximately 730,000 customers across 63 counties. Under her leadership, Entergy Arkansas has advanced key initiatives in energy reliability, sustainability, economic development, and community engagement.
Landreaux joined Entergy in 2007 and has held several leadership roles, including finance director and vice president of regulatory affairs. Prior to her time at Entergy, she practiced law with a focus on regulatory and utility matters.
An active leader in the Arkansas business and nonprofit communities, Landreaux serves on several boards and has earned numerous accolades, including being named the Easterseals Arkansan of the Year in 2020.
“I am honored to step into this role and collaborate with such a dynamic group of business leaders,” Landreaux said. “The State Chamber plays a vital role in advocating for Arkansas businesses, and I look forward to advancing its mission to create a thriving economic environment for our state.”
Brad Hegeman
Hegeman has served as AIA chairman since early 2024. As vice chairman and chief strategy officer at Nabholz Construction, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and growth since 1996.
Hegeman holds advanced degrees in business and accounting from the University of Central Arkansas and has completed the Advanced Management Program through the Associated General Contractors of America. Known for his commitment to fostering employee development and building strong client relationships, Hegeman is a respected leader in the construction industry.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as AIA chairman,” Hegeman said. “The AIA has a rich history of supporting Arkansas’ industries, and I am committed to building on that legacy by addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our members.”
State Chamber and AIA Executive Committee
The officers of the State Chamber and AIA form an executive committee that’s responsible for the joint operation of the organizations.
The State Chamber board of directors has elected the following officers for terms beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025:
- Laura Landreaux, Entergy Arkansas, as Chairman
- Gary Head, Signature Bank of Arkansas, as Immediate Past Chairman
- Ronald Dedman, AT&T (retired), as Past Chairman
- Reggie Rose, Simmons Bank, as Treasurer
- Curtis Barnett, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, as Vice Chairman
- John Burgess, Mainstream Technologies, Inc., as Vice Chairman
- Raymond Burns, Rogers Lowell Chamber, as Vice Chairman
- Joe Carter, EverBranch Capital Group, as Vice Chairman
- Eddie Lee Herndon, OG+E, as Vice Chairman
- Michael Lindsey, Walmart, as Vice Chairman
- Mark McHale, Ritter Communications, as Vice Chairman
- Andy Miller, Flywheel Energy, as Vice Chairman
- Nelson Peacock, Northwest Arkansas Council, as Vice Chairman
- Len Pitcock, Cox Communications, as Vice Chairman
- Larry Shackelford, Washington Regional Medical Center, as Vice Chairman
The AIA board of directors has elected the following officers for terms beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025:
- Brad Hegeman, Nabholz Corporation, as Chairman
- Chris Hart, Central Moloney, as Immediate Past Chairman
- Grady Harvell, W&W|AFCO Steel LLC, as Past Chairman
- Reggie Rose, Simmons Bank, as Treasurer
- Michael Callan, Stephens Production Company, as Vice Chairman
- Steve Card, Albemarle, as Vice Chairman
- Thomas Dickinson, McGeorge Contracting Company, Inc., as Vice Chairman
- Ray Dillon, Deltic Timber (retired), as Vice Chairman
- Stanley Hill, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, as Vice Chairman
- Dean Hoover, Koontz Electric Company Inc., as Vice Chairman
- Kevin McGilton, Riceland Foods, Inc., as Vice Chairman
- Kristi Prince, Maxwell Hardwood, Inc., as Vice Chairman
- Lenore Trammell, U. S. Steel/Big River Steel, as Vice Chairman
- Jeffrey Wood, Tyson Foods, Inc., as Vice Chairman
For a complete list of the State Chamber and AIA board of directors, visit arkansasstatechamber.com/about.