Heartland Forward of Bentonville announced that it has promoted Angie Cooper to executive vice president.
In her new role, Cooper will assume public policy responsibilities, overseeing efforts to transfer the organization's applied research into action at the federal, state, regional and local levels.
The nonprofit, which focuses on economic development in the center of the U.S., said Cooper will lead and expand connections with policymakers and key leaders to modernize policy.
Cooper joined Heartland Forward in 2020. She has led Heartland Summit, the nonprofit's flagship event, and helped lead efforts to launch Heartland Forward's Community Growth Program. She also established the Connecting the Heartland campaign, a multi-state initiative to boost internet availability, speeds and adoption across the heartland.
"Angie is a dynamic leader with a unique ability to plan strategically and execute with precision — a campaign mentality," Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward, said in a statement. "Her leadership role in the organization will expand as the organization grows and evolves. In this new role, Angie will assume greater accountability in our policy initiatives, strategic planning and assist me in leading the organization."
