The United Way of Northwest Arkansas has named Helena Gadison its board chair.
Gadison, a board member since 2019, took over as chair effective Jan. 1, the nonprofit said in a news release. She succeeds Tyson Foods executive Joe Lloyd, who will continue to serve on the board.
Gadison is a senior national account manager at Conair LLC of Stamford, Connecticut. She’s the first woman and African American to lead the United Way of Northwest Arkansas board. Jackie Hancock, the president and CEO of the nonprofit, called Gadison a “dynamic individual” who will bring energy to the chair position.
“I am looking forward to Helena’s service along with our other passionate and committed board members,” Hancock said. “Next year looks bright.”
Gadison served the United Way of Northwest Arkansas for five years in various roles, including volunteer and committee chair. She was the group’s Volunteer of the Year in 2017.
Gadison has served on the board for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, White River School of Massage and University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. She was appointed to the John Brown University Soderquist College of Business Advisory Board in March 2021.
Prior to her role at Conair, Gadison spent more than two decades working in leadership roles for Walmart and Lane Bryant, the release says. She left Walmart in 2006 to start a spa and salon in Fayetteville.
She holds a master’s in leadership and a bachelor’s in liberal arts with an emphasis in communication from John Brown University.
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