Arkansas Executive of the Year

Arkansas Business presents the region’s most outstanding Arkansas Executives. This year’s ceremony recognized and honored the individual excellence of senior executives and top leaders.

Arkansas Executive of the Year 2024 WINNERS

Small Private Company Executive of the Year:

Bill McCrary, Pain Treatment Centers of America

Large Private Company Executive of the Year:

Kristi Casey, Rock Dental Brands

Small Nonprofit Organization Executive of the Year:

Christie Jordan, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas

Large Nonprofit Organization Executive of the Year:

Melissa Dawson, The Centers

Public Sector/Education Executive of the Year:

Bryan Day, Little Rock Port Authority

Financial Executive of the Year:

Paul Rowton, GES Inc (dba Edwards Food Giant)

Board Member of the Year:

Cynthia Walton Frazier, Our House

Awards will be given in the following categories:

Executive of the Year Finalists: 

Small Private Company Executive –

• Companies/organizations with revenue less than $75M
• Banks with assets less than $500M
• Hospitals with fewer than 100 beds

Large Private Company Executive –

• Companies/organizations with revenue over $75M
• Banks with assets over $500M
• Hospitals with more than 100 beds

Nonprofit Organization Executive – Must be a 501(c)3 organization

Public Sector/Education Executive – Includes both public sector companies AND educational institutions

Financial Executive of the Year – Companies/organizations with revenue less/more than $75M, Banks with assets less/more than $500M, Hospitals with fewer/more than 100 beds

Additional Category:

Board Member of the Year – Nominees must be currently serving on a 501(c)3 nonprofit board in Arkansas.
Nominees must demonstrate leadership in specific initiatives or programs at their company or institution, which have created significant, positive, and measurable results.

Eligibility Requirements*

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• All information should only pertain to business operations in Arkansas.
• All financial information will be kept confidential by the judges.

RULES

• Judges, sponsors and employees of Arkansas Business Publishing Group are ineligible to enter.
• Companies must be at least three years old.
• Company must be headquartered in Arkansas.

For more information, contact Lindsey Castrellon at (501) 455-9336 or LCastrellon@abpg.com

Nomination Deadline for 2025: July 18, 2025