Arkansas Executive of the Year
*PLEASE NOTE: All ticket purchases are non-refundable, but are transferable.
Arkansas Business presents the region’s most outstanding Arkansas Executives. This year’s ceremony will recognize and honor the individual excellence of senior executives and top leaders at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock on Thursday, November 13.
Arkansas Executive of the Year 2025 FINALISTS
Small Private Company Finalists:
Renata Byler, Roller Funeral Homes
Chris Cerrato, Evo Business Environments
Ed Cyster, 4media group
Amanda & Ted Herget, Gearhead Outfitters
David Mitchell, Rose Law Firm
Large Private Company Finalists:
Mary Andrews, EngageMED
Dan Brown, Big River Steel
Mitch Morris, Empower Healthcare Solutions
David Peacock, Hytrol Conveyor Company
Hunter Smith, GPS Dental
Nonprofit Organization Finalists:
Kim Burket, Goodness Village
Dr. Martin Eggensperger, Black River Technical College Foundation
Rebekah Fincher, Conway Regional
Kelly Fleming, Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas
Eric Gilmore, Immerse Arkansas
Chris Kent, Argenta Downtown Council
Public Sector/Education Finalists:
Corey Alderdice, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Jim Hudson, Arkansas Dept. of Finance & Administration
Dr. Pearl McElfish, Institute for Community Health Innovation, UAMS
Dr. DuShun Scarbrough Sr., Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
Todd Shields, Arkansas State University
Financial Executive Finalists:
Jim Acuff, The Wilson Law Group
William J. Craig, Howard Memorial Hospital
Donna Hall, Bank of Little Rock
Matthew Jones, Legacy Capital
Nick Roach, Stone Bank
Board Member Finalists:
Paul Benham, CARTI Inc.
Kelly Eichler, University of Arkansas Systems
Frank Johnson, Arisa Health
Stephanie Wilcox, Immerse Arkansas
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