Catherine Beasley
University of Arkansas – Director for Industry and Community Engagement
Grant Brewer
University of Arkansas – Director of Professional and Workforce Development
Malcolm K. Briggs
Wells Fargo Advisors – First Vice President of Investments/Financial Advisor
C.J. Brown
Southwest Power Pool – Senior Director, System Operations
Jeremy W. Brown
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield – Manager, Regional Retail Sales and Operations
Col. Erin Burns
Arkansas Air National Guard – Commander, 189th Mission Support Group
Alyssa Carter
Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce – Chief Operating Officer
Nicholas Colclough
Highland Pellets – Executive Vice President
Chris Cook
Entergy Arkansas – Region Manager, Customer Service
Toni Cook
Walmart – Chief of Staff, Ecommerce Network Intelligence
Mallory Darby
Mississippi County Economic Development – Vice President
Justin Davis
Wright’s BBQ – Chief Operating Officer
Jessica Feltz
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – Conservation Social Scientist
Daron Frederick
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corp. – Chief Information Officer / Chief Security Officer
Tina Gabbard
Cox Communications / Cox Mobile – Market Vice President – Arkansas
Kyle Gaither
FutureFuel Chemical Co. – Chief Operations Officer
Lane Gammel
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas – Director of Communications
Keith Gammill
Arkansas Economic Development Commission – Director of Manufacturing Solutions
Jacob Daniel Garrett
AT&T – Director of External & Legislative Affairs
Marq Golden
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Director of External and Governmental Relations
Joe Gould
Citizens Bank – Senior Vice President, Information Technology
Jessica Gray
Signature Bank of Arkansas – VP Corporate, Business Development
Monty Harrington
Farmers Bank and Trust – Market President
Allison Hatfield
Arkansas Department of Commerce – Chief of Staff & General Counsel
Melissa Myers Hendricks
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College – Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Executive Director of the UA-Pulaski Technical College Foundation
Zack Hill
Few – Partner and CEO
Marcus Hopkins
W&W | AFCO Steel – Vice President Contracts
Stephen Houserman
City of Clarksville – Economic Development Director
Shanda Hunter
SWEPCO – State Government Affairs Director
Russell Jones
Arkansas Tech University – President
Steve Jones
Dassault Falcon Jet – Director of Engineering
TJ Lawhon
Wright Lindsey & Jennings – Partner Attorney
Mark McHale
Ritter Communications – Vice President, Public Affairs
Robin Mizell
Black Hills Energy – Senior Public Affairs Manager for Arkansas
Garrett Morgan
ARcare – Vice President of Operations, Central Arkansas
Travis Mosler
Central Moloney – Marketing Manager
Andrew Norman
Nabholz Construction – Project Executive
Anna Oberste
Oaklawn Hot Springs – Director of Sales
Christian O’Neal
UA Little Rock – Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
Kylie Parker
ECCI – Director of Operations
Steven Person
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service – Director of Information Technology
Jennifer McCloskey Quezada
Walmart – Director, Specialty Compliance and Ethics
Sammy Sanchez
Nucor Arkansas – Hot Mill Supervisor
Col. Anthony Sanders
Arkansas Army National Guard – Chief of Staff
Hana Settles
Saracen Casino Resort – Digital Marketing Manager
Stephanie Sharp
Summit Utilities – Senior Communications and External Affairs Strategist
Dustin Tackett
Garver – Transportation Team Leader
Lindsey Vechik
Tyson Foods – Senior Counsel
Amy Whitehead
University of Central Arkansas – Chief of Staff
Josh Wilson
Ozarka College – President
Crenisha Wright
Arkansas Foodbank – Chief Information Officer
Tim Wright
Lockheed Martin – Senior Product Manager
Alison Wynne
Crafton Tull – Chief Financial Officer
Testimonials Leadership Arkansas Class XIX
“Being part of Leadership Arkansas Class XIX has been an incredible experience. It’s given me a broader view of the great work happening across our state and where there’s still an opportunity to grow. The connections I’ve made with my classmates have been both meaningful and impactful, and I’ve gained a strong network of peers I truly respect. The State Chamber/AIA has built a powerful community through this program, and I encourage anyone considering it to apply. It’s only growing stronger, and the value it brings is undeniable.”
— Stephanie Sharp, Senior Communications and External Affairs Strategist, Summit Utilities
“I will always cherish the time spent with my 52 Leadership Arkansas Class XIX classmates and alumni. The camaraderie, collaboration and shared learning experiences made each session unforgettable. It’s rare to find oneself in such a dynamic cohort, and I often found myself reflecting, ‘When else in our careers would we all be brought together in this way?’
“Participating in Leadership Arkansas exceeded all expectations. This immersive experience provided a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from across the state and in a broad range of
industries. It has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience — one that has enriched my capabilities, broadened my leadership perspective and deepened my commitment to the future of Arkansas.”
— Crenisha Wright, MSIS, MBA, Chief Information Officer, Arkansas Foodbank
“Being able to participate in Leadership Arkansas Class XIX has been an amazing journey that will have a lasting impact on me personally and professionally for many years to come. Building relationships and bonds with classmates from across the great state of Arkansas — by visiting and touring the state — is an opportunity that only a few get to experience firsthand. I loved learning more about different regions of our state and gaining an up-close and personal look at many things I probably wouldn’t have encountered in my regular day-to-day life. Quite simply, I believe the Leadership Arkansas program has given me a greater sense of pride in the state I call home!”
— Grant Brewer, Director, Professional and Workforce Development, University of Arkansas
“Leadership Arkansas exceeded every expectation. After nearly 25 years away, returning to the state I call home felt both exciting and unfamiliar. This program was the perfect way to reconnect — not just geographically, but through a deeper understanding of its transformation, challenges and incredible potential. The thoughtful programming, seamless logistics and diverse group of leaders made every session impactful. Most of all, the friendships and shared insights have created lasting value that will stay with me long after the program ends.”
— Lane Gammel, Director of Communications, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
“After living in Arkansas for over a decade, I joined Leadership Arkansas with a desire to deepen my understanding of the state I now proudly call home. What I found was an unforgettable experience that connected me with passionate business and civic leaders from every part of the state.
“Through our sessions, I gained valuable insight into the common economic challenges our communities face — and the creative,
resilient ways leaders are addressing them. It was eye-opening to see how, despite our regional differences, many of our opportunities and obstacles are shared.
“Leadership Arkansas left me not only better informed, but also more inspired and hopeful about the future of our state. If you are looking for a meaningful way to invest in Arkansas and grow your own leadership journey, I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
— Jennifer M. Quezada, Director, Specialty Compliance and Ethics, Walmart
“I’ve called this experience a ‘Master Class’ — because although I’ve lived in Arkansas my entire life, I’ve learned more about my state this year than I had in all the years before. Decide, commit and go all in — it will be what you make of it, with a network of new friends, colleagues and supporters who all want to see you succeed. The relationships I’ve built — with this class and alumni from previous ones — will extend far
beyond this year for both me personally and my company professionally.”
— Tina Gabbard, Market Vice President , Cox Communications – Central Region, Arkansas
“Being part of Leadership Arkansas Class XIX has been a truly transformative experience! It’s granted me exclusive access to some of the state’s most influential organizations, manufacturers and public institutions — alongside direct engagement with the brilliant minds leading them. These are opportunities that simply wouldn’t have been possible on my own.
“Equally valuable has been the bond formed with my 52 classmates… We’ve built a network rooted in trust, collaboration and mutual support — exchanging resources, insights and opportunities that have strengthened both our organizations and the state at large.
“The impact of Leadership Arkansas is both personal and professional — and its value cannot be overstated!”
— Travis Mosler, Director of Marketing, Central Moloney
“Being a part of Leadership Arkansas has been an experience I’ll never forget. The opportunity to connect with classmates, alumni and key decision-makers across the state is something you won’t find anywhere else. After going through this well-organized program, I feel my ability to make a real impact — in my business, my community and communities across Arkansas — has increased exponentially. I can’t recommend this program enough, and I’m so grateful to the Arkansas State Chamber for putting this together.”
— Zack Hill, Partner / CEO, Few
“Being part of Leadership Arkansas Class XIX has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional and personal journey…
“Each session gave us the chance to learn, connect and truly see Arkansas through a whole new lens. And just when I thought the sessions had reached their peak, each one continued to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression. Before this program, I thought I had a good understanding of what our state had to offer — but I’ve come away with a much deeper appreciation for Arkansas’ role in shaping our nation’s economy. From agriculture and manufacturing to health care and innovation, the impact our state makes is both impressive and inspiring.
“If you’re considering applying for Leadership Arkansas, do it! It’s an investment in yourself, your community, and your state — and it’s an experience you will carry with you for a lifetime.”
— Kylie Parker, Director of Operations, ECCI
“Leadership Arkansas has been a powerful journey, unlocking the hidden gems of our state and igniting a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry that makes Arkansas truly remarkable.”
— Chris Cook, Region Manager, Entergy Arkansas LLC
“Participating in Leadership Arkansas has been an exceptional and transformative experience, offering unparalleled access to some of the state’s most prominent industries — an opportunity rarely available outside of this program. I was thoroughly impressed by the program’s thoughtful planning and seamless execution.
“I highly recommend Leadership Arkansas to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the state’s dynamic progress in business, education, health care, government affairs, military and agriculture. Whether you’re looking to explore Arkansas’ economic development and industrial landscape or simply aiming to expand your professional network and personal connections, this program offers invaluable insights and opportunities.”
— T.J. Lawhon, Partner, Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP
“Leadership Arkansas will give you insight into our Natural State that will blow your mind and give you friendships that last a lifetime!”
— Monty Harrington, Magnolia Market President, Farmers Bank and Trust
“Although I have lived in Arkansas for most of my life, I had forgotten how important the state and its people are to our country and the world. Leadership Arkansas has enabled me to meet long-time established Arkansas and United States leaders and my classmates in Class XIX, who will surely be our state’s and country’s future leaders. Also, because of the tremendous monthly sessions across our great state, I have been reminded of the important role Arkansas plays in our nation’s economy. This program is excellent for anyone wanting to learn more about our great state and influence Arkansas’s economic growth.”
— Russ Jones, President, Arkansas Tech University
“Arkansas has been known as the Wonder State, the Land of Opportunity and most recently, the Natural State. I’m honored to participate in the Leadership Arkansas program, where I’ve been in awe of all our state has to offer. From unique industry and manufacturing — like AMFUEL in Magnolia, which makes self-sealing fuel cells for military aircraft, to Lockheed Martin, which produces missiles and other military equipment right here in Arkansas — our state is full of opportunity. Just look to the northeast, where the U.S. steel industry is resurging.
“Leadership Arkansas introduces you to the Arkansas you didn’t know — alongside 50-plus talented, smart Arkansans from diverse backgrounds and industries who quickly become lifelong friends.”
— Jeremy W. Brown, Manager, Regional Retail Sales and Operations, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
“Being a part of Leadership Arkansas is an experience of a lifetime! This program has been phenomenal in fostering strong professional relationships among a diverse group of leaders across the state. Over a nine month period, this program has exposed my classmates and I to the challenges and opportunities facing the Natural State in areas such as government, education, health and workforce development, just to name a few.
“The professional and personal relationships I’ve established through this program are second to none. That said, I highly recommend Leadership Arkansas to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact within their community, city or this great state.”
— Col. Anthony Q. Sanders, Chief of Staff, Arkansas Army National Guard
“Leadership Arkansas has been an impactful experience for me. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to broaden their perspective and deepen their understanding of our state while growing professionally. This program has connected me with an incredible network of passionate, driven leaders and has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Arkansas.”
— Alyssa Carter, Chief Operating Officer, Russellville Chamber of Commerce, Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance
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