The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has hired Colbie Jones as director of Keep Arkansas Beautiful, the agency that works with volunteers and organizations across the state to promote cleanup efforts.
Jones takes over on May 2 for Mark Camp, who left the position in February after five years. Her starting salary is $56,680.
Jones previously worked for MHP/Team SI in public relations and account management roles. Some of her work at the Little Rock marketing firm supported Keep Arkansas Beautiful, the agency said in a news release.
“Colbie has forged positive relationships with our Keep Arkansas Beautiful commissioners across the state and has extensive knowledge of the goals and principles of the Keep America Beautiful program,” Stacy Hurst, secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in the release. “She understands that litter prevention goes beyond aesthetics and impacts Arkansas’s economy. A clean and beautiful Arkansas welcomes people to enjoy our outdoor recreation offerings and enhances the lives of Arkansans and those visiting our state.”
The agency currently has 13 partner groups across the state. Recent work includes a downtown Little Rock mural, a book and coloring book for school-aged children, appearances by the agency mascot “Otto” and production of an educational cartoon.
Jones said she aims to increase the agency's reach, expand its volunteer network and develop more programming and partnerships.
“I want to build on the past successes of Keep Arkansas Beautiful while taking the program into the future,” Jones said.
