Executive Q&A

LaDonna Johnston on Leading Unity Health Through Change & Challenge
LaDonna Johnston, now CEO of Unity Health, is leading the regional system through workforce and revenue challenges after more than 30 years with the organization.
Brian Fugate on How AI & Data Are Redefining Supply Chains
Brian Fugate, 48, has been the chairman of the Supply Chain Management Department at the UA since 2016. read more >
Constance Meadors on Leading Arkansas’ Space Grant Program Into the Future
Meadors is director of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium & NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. read more >
Jay Silveria on Leadership & the Future of the UA System
Retired Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria became UA System president Jan. 15, focusing on listening, community ties, and sharing its statewide impact. read more >
DD&F’s Matt Reddin on Challenges & Regulations in Community Banking
Matt Reddin of DD&F Consulting urges community banks to focus on deposits, capital, and talent while pushing for tailored regulations to support growth and new bank formation. read more >
Christy Bjornson on Regulation & Compliance in the Alcohol, Tobacco & Cannabis Sectors
Christy Bjornson was named chief of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Division in October 2023 and of the Tobacco Control Division in February 2024. read more >
Chris Marsh on the Luxury Home Market’s Growth in Arkansas for 2025
Marsh, an Arkansas Delta native who has lived in Little Rock for more than 18 years, is owner & broker & CEO of Capital Sotheby’s International Realty of Little Rock. read more >
Samuel Pieh on Strengthening Health Care in the Delta & the Challenges Ahead
Pieh discusses health care challenges in the Delta, workforce shortages, diversity in leadership, and the role of telehealth in improving patient access. read more >
Garrett Levey on Building a Customer-Centric Tech Company
Garrett Levey, co-CEO of Nuqleous, stresses customer focus, AI-driven scaling, and co-leadership benefits. read more >
Stuart Dalrymple on Commercial Real Estate Trends & Searcy’s Growth
Commercial real estate investment faces challenges from rising interest rates and development costs, but strategic planning and community investment continue to drive growth in markets like Searcy.
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US Marshals Museum Director Benjamin Johnson on History, Leadership & the Museum’s Future
After taking the helm of the U.S. Marshals Museum, Johnson is focused on bringing its 235-year story to life with interactive exhibits, hoping to exceed visitor expectations and drive broader awareness of the museum as a hidden gem in Fort Smith. read more >
Jennifer Irwin on Leading the Fayetteville Chamber & Strengthening Business Ties
Jennifer Irwin aims to strengthen business ties and tackle Fayetteville’s housing challenges as the chamber’s new CEO. read more >
Rock Solid Shredding’s Jeff Ward on Ensuring Security & Sustainability
Ward shares insights on secure document destruction, industry growth, and lessons from past business challenges. read more >
Farmers & Merchants Bank CEO Brad Chambless on Leadership & Community Banking
The chair of the Arkansas Bankers Association chair champions fraud prevention, senior protection and community support in banking. read more >
Andrew Parker on Transforming Arkansas’ Workforce Through Be Pro Be Proud
Andrew Parker is the executive director of the Associated Industries of Arkansas Foundation and has led the Be Pro Be Proud Initiative since its launch in 2016. read more >
Heath Simpson on Expanding Broadband in Rural Arkansas
Simpson's military background and Ritter Communications' rapid expansion shape his leadership approach, focusing on community-driven broadband growth and customer connection. read more >
Growing Arkansas Tourism: Jeff King on State Parks’ Role and Partnerships
Jeff King has been deputy director of Arkansas State Parks since March 2022. read more >
ASU System President Brendan Kelly on Student Retention & Innovation
Brendan Kelly became president of the ASU System in September. read more >
Adam Head on CARTI’s Growth and Commitment to Cancer Care
Before joining CARTI in 2017 as president and CEO, Adam Head was COO at Arkansas Heart Hospital of Little Rock. read more >
Charlene Julian on the Future of Wealth Management and Trust Services
Charlene Julian oversees trust and wealth management services, which include estate planning, investment management, retirement planning and fiduciary solutions, for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stuttgart. read more >
Scott Coleman on Revolution’s Circular Approach to Plastic Recycling
Coleman joined Revolution in 2013 and was its senior vice president of growth and strategy until his promotion to CEO in July.
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