Clint O'Neal
Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston announced Tuesday that Clint O’Neal will become the agency’s executive vice president of global development effective March 19.
O’Neal returns to AEDC from the Missouri Partnership, a public-private economic development group founded in 2007 and backed by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Hawthorn Foundation and other economic development agencies in the state.
O’Neal will replace Danny Games, who left the job in January to return to Entergy Arkansas Inc., where he is now director of business and economic development.
“In a nationwide search, Clint’s name was at the top of the list of the most qualified candidates,” Preston said in a news release. “His knowledge and experience make him uniquely qualified for the role, as he will help elevate our agency with innovation and a proven record of success.”
O’Neal has been vice president of business recruitment for the Missouri Partnership, playing a role in attracting companies including Nucor Corp., American Outdoor Brands, CVS, Dollar Tree Distribution, Amazon, Blue Buffalo and U.S. Farathane.
During his time as a project manager for AEDC, O’Neal worked with Cooper Tire, Firestone Building Product and Southwest Power Pool. He also helped recruit Awesome Products and Saint Gobain, according to AEDC.
“I am excited to return to Arkansas at a time when there is great momentum and leadership in the Capitol and in the economic development community,” O’Neal said. “I look forward to working with the team at AEDC and with economic developers across the state to build an even stronger Arkansas with more economic and business opportunities.”
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