Careers often hit a sweet spot a decade or two down a certain path. Workers are settled in, comfortable, feel as though they have mastered their crafts, but they have more, maybe even much more, to contribute.
Arkansas Money & Politics recognizes those business leaders in Arkansas who have hit that sweet spot, who fill the gap between young bucks and a gold watch. Our list of Achievers in Their Forties shines a light on those professionals at a midpoint in their careers who have achieved a certain amount of success yet are positioned for much more.
Jamie Ables, LCSW
Whole Health Director
Elevance Health, Summit Community Care
Laura Adams
Marketing Director
New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics
Vanessa Cash Adams
Co-founder and Managing Attorney
ARlaw Partners
Vanessa Cash Adams is co-founder and managing attorney at ARlaw Partners, a firm with offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville. Adams graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 2007 and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar that same year. Her undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville gave her a strong foundation in communication, while other essential skills have come through hands-on experience. In 2020, Adams founded ARlaw alongside her partners Charlie Cunningham, Dustin Duke and Katie Freeman. Over the course of 17 years in private practice, Adams has focused primarily on consumer and business transactions, negotiations and bankruptcy.
Josh Annett
Facilities/Exhibits Director
Museum of Discovery
Jimmy Anthony
VP, Strategic Customer Solutions
Delta Dental of Arkansas
Amanda Bass
Director of Community Engagement
Levi Hospital
Jessica Bienert
Vice President of Sustainable Solutions
Bernhard
Tyler Blair
Chief Financial Officer
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Michelle Boone, DNP, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
Compassion Health & Wellness Clinic
Dennis Bost
Owner
Dennis Bost State Farm
Dennis Bost, a proud sixth-generation Arkansan, was born in Springdale and raised in Arkadelphia. With over 20 years of insurance expertise, Bost has built a remarkable career in the industry. Following in his father’s footsteps as a State Farm agent, he has not only upheld the values and traditions of the profession but has also established himself as one of the top agents in the country, ranking in the top 3 percent nationwide. Bost earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Henderson State University, a foundation that has supported his successful journey in the insurance field. However, his achievements in business are matched by his commitment to family. Married for 19 years, Dennis is a devoted husband and father to a son and daughter, whom he considers his greatest accomplishments.
At the helm of Dennis Bost State Farm, Bost leads a dedicated team focused on educating consumers about their insurance options. He firmly believes that customers should fully understand the products they are purchasing, ensuring they make informed decisions that best suit their needs. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dennis is deeply involved in his community. He actively supports the Arkansas chapter of Ducks Unlimited and Women’s Own Worth, organizations close to his heart. An avid hunter, his passion for conservation is evident by his commitment to mentoring young people in the outdoors.
Sara Brown
Director of Marketing
First Step
Sara Brown, Ph.D., CFRE, serves as the director of marketing at First Step. In her role, she oversees the operation of the marketing and development offices for all four locations across 27 counties in southern Arkansas. She has worked in education for 18 years and has managed nonprofit organizations since 2013. She is an advocate for education and for serving others, which led to her current role with First Step. First Step serves individuals with developmental delays, disabilities and special needs from birth to end of life. Over the past 65 years, First Step has served about 10,000 families across the state and employed thousands of individuals while striving to be a beacon of hope, support and guidance for people with developmental disabilities and their families. A Hot Springs native, Brown is deeply rooted within her community, volunteering with various civic, social and nonprofit organizations, including the Rotary Club of Hot Springs National Park, Leadership Hot Springs and Ouachita Children, Youth and Family Services.
Summer Campbell
Owner
Bloom Salon
David Connell
Owner
Homer’s Kitchen Table
Ashley Cook
Real Estate Agent
Gateway Properties
Ashley Cook was Texas-born and -raised and became an Arkansan by way of marriage in 2001. Her husband’s agriculture business degree, as well as a desire to work in the poultry management industry, led the Cooks to Batesville in 2003. Almost 21 years later — with two kids, two dogs and 16 commercial poultry houses — the Cooks now feel more like locals than transplants. Cook worked in several areas of banking prior to becoming a licensed agent in 2004. Since then, she was accepted into the Broker Pilots Program through the Arkansas Real Estate Commission and completed the Next Level course. She has obtained GRI, CRS, ABR, MRP and C2EX designations.
Amanda Crowley
Account Director
CenterRock Advertising
Casey Cullipher
President and CEO
RiverWind Bank
Angie Davis
Founder
Arkansas Women’s Network
Tyler Davis
Market President
Diamond Bank
Tyler Davis is a native of Ashdown. His love for his farm and hometown led him back home after graduating from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2006. In 2014, he became market president at Diamond Bank in Ashdown. Helping his customers achieve their financial goals is one of his passions. His other passions are his family, agriculture and Little River County. Davis has a servant’s heart and is involved on many local boards, including those of the Little River County Farm Bureau, Ashdown Community Foundation and Little River Intermodal Authority. Then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed him to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission in 2019. In 2020, he was elected justice of the peace in Little River County. He most recently served as chairman of the board of visitors for UA Cossatot Community College.
Mihir Desai
Director of Supply Chain Management
Welspun Tubular
Ross DeVol
President and CEO
Heartland Forward
Corey Dunn
Director of Development, Arkansas
Ducks Unlimited
Maegan Dyson
Maegan Dyson
Chief Development Officer
Conway Regional
Maegan Dyson is the chief development officer at Conway Regional Health System, where she is responsible for leading the Conway Regional Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm. The foundation serves central Arkansas by funding the needs of the community through advocacy, strategic relationships and financial support of Conway Regional Health System. As CDO, Maegan oversees all aspects of the organization’s fundraising efforts and manages the foundation’s relationship with the health system through her role on the executive administrative team. Dyson joined Conway Regional in 2022, coming from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where she served as associate vice president for development, leading the major gift fundraising team for two years as it worked toward its goal of $100 million dollars during the largest campaign in the university’s history.
Taryn Echols
Assistant Superintendent
Hot Springs School District
Scott Edge
Owner
SkyGate Studios
Ryan Faust
Partner and Managing Principal
BUF Studio
Paige Cooley Fisher
Nevro Medical
Ryan Flynn
President
Network Services Group
Ryan Flynn was named president of Network Services Group in late 2013. Network Services Group provides information technology support and voice-over internet protocol telephone solutions for many businesses across the state. Under Flynn’s leadership, NSG has grown from 11 employees and a single location in North Little Rock to more than 65 employees and three locations in Arkansas. Flynn has also served as president of the Cabot Rotary Club, two terms on the city council of Cabot, on the Cabot Parks & Recreation Commission, and on the Lonoke County Election Commission.
Jessica Ford
Chief Communications Officer
Arkansas Community Foundation
Jessica Ford is the chief communications officer at the Arkansas Community Foundation, where she leads branding, marketing, crisis communications and public relations. Originally from Redfield, Ford has a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of Wyoming. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2003. Prior to joining the Community Foundation staff, Ford served as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She worked for 13 years at Heifer International in Little Rock, where, among various roles, she piloted Heifer’s first Women & Global Leadership Development Program, with a one-year assignment with Heifer Peru. Ford is also an alumni of the Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Emerging Leaders in the Social Sector program and is currently in the fourth class of the Civility Leadership Institute through Renew America Together, founded by retired Gen. Wesley Clark. She is a member of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI and the Arkansas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Ben Fureigh
President
Fureigh Electric
Elizabeth Smiley Glasbrenner
President and CEO
Smiley Technologies
Amy Gibbons
Owner
Anderson’s Discount Pharmacy
Chris Gosnell
President and CEO
Farmers Bank & Trust
Michael John Gray
Woodruff County Judge
Neil Gray
Trade Sales Lead
Pella Windows & Doors of North Little Rock
Traci Hampton
Director, Marketing and Administrative Services
Highlands Oncology
Nathan Harris
EVP and Chief Credit Officer
Citizens Bank
Nathan Harris is executive vice president and chief credit officer at Citizens Bank, based in Batesville. He has been with the bank since 2019. He previously served as vice president of commercial lending for United Bank in northwest Arkansas and Centennial Bank in Fayetteville. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and is an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.
Doug Hayes
President
Final Touch Roofing
Doug Hayes is president of Final Touch Roofing in Hot Springs. He was born in Chicago and raised in Hot Springs, where he has spent most of his life. He and his wife, Tiffany, started Final Touch Roofing in 2001. Hayes has more than 25 years experience specializing in roofing and construction. He is known for delivering quality workmanship, providing detailed estimates and building lifelong relationships.
Ben Haynes
Owner and Co-founder
Davis & Haynes Insurance
Tyrun Haynie
Emergency Preparedness Director
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Sarah Heer
Travel Content Creator
Arkie Travels
Amber Henson
Owner and Broker
Urban Living and Development
Travis Hester
President and Founder
Eat My Catfish
Brandon Hines
Co-owner
Hines Homes
Erin Leigh Hohnbaum
Founder and CEO; Co-founder
E.Leigh’s Contemporary Boutiques; The Nest
Erin Holliday
Executive Director
Emergent Arts
James Horton
Chief Operating Officer
First Security Bank
As chief operating officer at First Security Bank, James Horton oversees key operational areas, including electronic banking, cash management and deposit operations. With more than 20 years of experience at the bank, he has held various leadership roles and managing system implementations, audits and vendor relationships.
Ivan Hudson
Owner
Ivan Hudson Agency
Nolen Hughes
President
Jan Pro of the Ozarks
Spencer Jansen
Deputy Director
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Jerry Kirksey
President
Bensberg Technologies
Jerry Kirksey is president of Bensberg Technologies in Camden. Bensberg was founded in Camden in the early 1900s. It sold phonograph players that were shipped via train and transported to the store. Bensberg went on to sell pianos and organs, then guitars and amplifiers, and, ultimately, audio systems. Under Kirksey’s leadership, Bensberg has grown into a comprehensive communication technology company, one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, that designs and installs commercial audio, video, lighting, security, access, networking and automation systems for a diverse clientele in six states.
Robert Klein
President and Executive Broker
The Property Group
Karen Lamoreaux
Foudner and CEO
Safety Before Skill Swim School
Karen Lamoreaux, married and a mother of three, founded Arkansas’ first swim school and one of the first 1,000 swim schools in the United States. This year, Safety Before Skill Swim School is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the purchase of its west Little Rock facility. Partnering with MGC Kids in Maumelle, Lamoreaux is securing a permanent location and paving the way for the launch of a cutting-edge aquatic fitness program, retail expansion, competitive swimming and elevation of other partnered small businesses, including MGC Kids, Tone Performance in Little Rock and Prosper Studios in Little Rock. Safety Before Skill earned the Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award from the Little Rock Regional Chamber and the Small Business Administration in 2021. Safety Before Skill has also been voted Best Choice every year since 2019 by the readers of the Kids Directory Central Arkansas. Safety Before Skill partners with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Children’s and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Safety Before Skill also hosts the annual Safety Before Skill Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Noah’s Ark Memorial Scholarship.
Carlos Larry
Director of Finance
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
at Arkansas State University
Carlos Larry is director of finance at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, a position he has had since 2021. Larry is a member of the NYITCOM Executive Committee and serves as senior leadership for finance, academic technology group, facilities and support for human resources. Larry has substantial experience implementing financial information technology applications, building scalable processes, managing financial controls, improving cost management and implementing continuous improvement, all of which have significantly contributed to the success of Arkansas’s first osteopathic medical school. Previously, Larry spent seven years at Ritter Communications, where he worked in finance and billing, and he worked as a financial analyst at Windstream Communications. A native of Hayti, Missouri, Larry has a Bachelor of Science in corporate finance from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and an Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern.
Patrick Laughlin
CEO
iProv
Veronica Love
Founder and CEO
Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas
Veronica Love is founder and CEO of Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas in Little Rock and president of Southern Carrier Services, a nonemergency medical transportation company in Little Rock. Love previously found incredible success in the automotive world, moving from sales and finance management to directing and managing a multi-million dollar business. After several years in the industry, Love became the first African American woman in Arkansas to serve as general manager for a franchise dealership while at Crain Mazda.
Arlton Lowry
Founder and Partner
Few
Bryan Maertens
General Manager
Congo Fireplace and Patio
Nirvana Manning, M.D.
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Emily Milholen McCord
Counsel
Mitchell Williams Law Firm
Mary McGetrick
Director of Land Acquisition and Entitlement
Buffington Homes of Arkansas
Rachael McGrew
Business Development Director
Landmark CPAs
Rachael McGrew is business development director at Landmark CPAs in Fort Smith, which was formed after the 2018 merger of two historic Arkansas firms, Thomas & Thomas in Little Rock and Beall Barclay & Co in Fort Smith. McGrew joined Beall Barclay in 2017 and played an integral part in the rebranding of the firm following the merger. The firm recently announced another large merger that will be effective in January 2025. McGrew graduated magna cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and a minor in interdisciplinary studies from UCA’s honors college. She obtained a graphic design certification from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in 2008. McGrew’s current role has also allowed her to become deeply involved in the local business community. She is a member of the Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2019 and a member of Associated Builders and Contractors Arkansas’ Western Council and serves on the board of directors for the Association of Accounting Marketing.
LaJoy Montgomery
Regional Early Childhood Specialist Manager
ICF International
LaJoy Montgomery, Ed.D., is a regional early childhood specialist manager with ICF International, a contractor through the office of Arkansas Head Start. Prior to joining ICF in 2022, Montgomery served as early child development program coordinator at Shorter College in North Little Rock. She also previously served as the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership program director and early learning inclusion specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Montgomery completed her undergraduate studies at National University before going on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Arkansas State University, and she expects to complete her doctoral degree in education from Grand Canyon University in December of 2024. She is drawn to volunteer work that aligns with her passion for creating a better world for children and families. Montgomery is a member of the Junior League of Little Rock, in addition to being involved with the National Association of University Women, Sister Friends United, and The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund.
Ashley Mosley
Co-owner
Chenal Pet Palace
Leigh Ann Simpson Newton
Management/Estimating
TCPrint Solutions
Justin Nicklas
General Manager
Gross Funeral Homes
Curtis Norris
Purchasing Manager
Hytrol
Andrew Norwood
Attorney
Denton, Zachary, Norwood
Sean O’Keane
President and Partner
Grant Garrett Excavating
Sean O’Keane is president and partner at Garrett Excavating, a third-generation heavy civil contractor that was founded in 1950 and has locations in Benton and Rogers. O’Keane has been with the company since 2020. His adaptable leadership and mentoring style have led the company to success as a top performer, and in 2023, Garrett Excavating was voted Best Excavation Company in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Best of” contest for the third year in a row. For 20 years prior to joining Garrett Excavating, O’Keane was president of Riggs Cat, the Caterpillar dealer that has served Arkansas since 1927 and manages eight locations statewide. He earned a business administration degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 2000 and graduated from the Caterpillar Executive Master of Business Administration Program through Stanford University in California in 2013. O’Keane is currently a board member of the Share it Forward Foundation, WallBuilders, Be the One Ministries in Rogers, the House Ministries in Rogers and Legacy Ranch at Dry Creek in Gravette’s outward leadership program, and he is affiliated with foster care organizations throughout the state. Not only does O’Keane excel in the office, he is an avid outdoorsman. In his spare time, he fishes, golfs and hunts.
Lindy O’Neal, DVM
Owner
Animal Medical Center
Lindy O’Neal, DVM is a veterinarian and owner of Animal Medical Center, which has two locations in Rogers. She completed her undergraduate studies in animal science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before going on to obtain her doctorate at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She has a special interest in advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, ultrasonography and veterinary business, as well as being passionate about preventative medicine and client education. O’Neal is president of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association. She is also involved in the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and tending to her honeybees.
Clayton Owen
Owner
Owen Orthodontics
Derek Owens
Owner
Natural State Promotions
Melissa Perez
Paralegal and Marketing Coordinator
Gill Ragon Owen
John M. Pesek
Senior Staff Attorney
City of Rogers
Sara Pollock
Director of Service Project and Process Support
USAble Life
Sara Pollock has been an integral part of USAble Life since joining in 2005, bringing nearly two decades of experience to her current role as director of service project and process support. Throughout her tenure with USAble Life, she has demonstrated exceptional growth, transitioning from various individual contributor roles to becoming a recognized subject matter expert and influential leader. Her journey into a managerial role was marked by her ability to navigate challenges and adapt effectively. Pollock successfully built a team that is instrumental to supporting the organization in delivering innovative growth and operational excellence aimed at enhancing the customer experience. Pollock continually showcases her thoughtful and practical approach to critical enterprise initiatives that help USAble Life make good on their promise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Pollock’s dedication to promoting a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement has bolstered internal processes and advocated for ongoing personal and professional growth.
Tobias Pugsley
VP, Marketing and Communications
Baxter Health
Dan Roda
Chief Credit Officer
Safe Harbor Financial
Trent Rogers
VP, Preconstruction
C.R. Crawford Construction
Trent Rogers, AIA, is the vice president of pre-construction for C.R. Crawford Construction in fayetteville, one of the state’s largest general contracting and construction management companies. Rogers has extensive experience, as well as a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Louisiana Tech University. His client-focused approach, attention to quality and excellent team leadership skills have been pivotal to the company’s success. Always seeking to create positive experiences and increased value for clients, he uses his design background and project management skills to benefit each and every client. Rogers ensures his team has the resources and training necessary to be successful, which creates a ripple effect of satisfaction for project owners. Rogers is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Benton County, and his community involvement includes being a former president of Open Avenues in Rogers and attending First Baptist Rogers with his family.
Paul Rowton
Vice President
Edwards Food Giant
Brandon Ruhl
Managing Partner
Taggart Architects
Brandon Ruhl, AIA, is a managing partner at Taggart Architects in North Little Rock, where he has made a significant impact since 2010. As a project architect, Ruhl expertly oversees projects from schematic design through construction and post-build phases. His extensive portfolio encompasses a variety of building types, scales and construction methods, highlighting his adaptability and expertise. Ruhl earned his professional degree in architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and holds LEED accreditation in building design and construction. Actively involved in civic and professional organizations, Ruhl serves on the political action committee and is a former board member for the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and previously served a five-year term on the city of Conway’s planning commission, including two years as chairman. In his spare time, he designs custom single-family homes and is also a licensed general contractor, further showcasing his commitment to both personal and professional architectural pursuits.
Chad Russell
SVP and Commercial Banker
Arvest Bank
Chad Russell is a seasoned banking professional with 16 years of industry experience, 14 of which have been with Arvest Bank and its predecessors. He holds a degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Currently, Russell serves as senior vice president and commercial banker for Arvest Bank in Conway, where he works closely with commercial clients to provide tailored financial and capital solutions.
Beyond his role at Arvest, Russell is committed to community service. He is an active board member for several organizations, including the United Way of Central Arkansas, Boys & Girls Club of Faulkner County, and Conway KLife. His dedication to both his clients and his community reflects his passion for making a positive impact in the region. Through his professional expertise and civic involvement, Russell continues to be a trusted and respected figure in Conway and central Arkansas.
Joe Sanford, M.D.
Director of Institute for Digital Health & Innovation
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Keneasha Scott
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Founder
K Scott Consults
Jena Selva
License Partner
Engel & Völkers Little Rock
Jasen Shamlin
Owner
Overnight Digs and Omni Tech Solutions
Cason Short
Owner
Bill Byers Hunter’s Club
Michael Sills
President Facility Management
Sharper Image
Jani Gillman Small
Clinic and Finance Administrator
Pinnacle Dermatology
Les Smith
SVP and Chief of Staff
Arkansas College of Health Education
Les Smith is the senior vice president and chief of staff at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in Fort Smith, a role he has had since March. He joined ACHE in 2019 as chief business strategy officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience from Arvest Bank, where he advanced from teller to executive vice president and loan manager. Promoted to vice president and chief operating officer at ACHE in 2021, Smith played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth at ACHE. His leadership and vision led to his advancement to senior vice president and chief of staff, for which he now oversees a broad range of responsibilities, projects and strategic initiatives. In addition to his role at ACHE, Smith is a dedicated member of the board of directors at Mercy Clinic-Fort Smith Communities.
Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a graduate banking and finance degree from Louisiana State University. Outside of his professional achievements, Smith is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Monica, have been married for more than 20 years and are proud parents to two children, Cameron and Cooper.
Ryan Solomon
SVP, Hospital Operations
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Ryan Solomon, J.D., MPS, serves as senior vice president of hospital operations at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Ryan has a broad knowledge and expertise in health care operations, law and quality and safety. He most recently served as interim senior vice president and chief administrator at Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale and vice president and general counsel for Arkansas Children’s prior to that. He has spearheaded several system initiatives that have led to growth and improved patient experience and access, including developing the CANDOR (Communication and Optimal Resolution) program and the BERT (Behavioral Emergency Response Team) team, launching Harvey Pediatrics Operated By Arkansas Children’s, and serving as a chief advisor in the establishment of the Arkansas Children’s Clinically Integrated Network and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nursery Alliance. Ryan has a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, a Master’s Degree in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock and has received the National Diversity Council’s DiversityFIRST certified diversity executive designation.
Jeremy Sparks
Executive Director of Organizational Change
Management and Associate Communications
Arvest Bank
Jeremy Sparks is a visionary leader and published author with more than 20 years of experience in human resources, change management and communications. As the executive director of organizational change management and associate communications at Arvest Bank, he leads a forward-thinking team that enhances associate engagement and drives successful company-wide change initiatives. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and sustaining long-term impact.
Spark’s leadership roles are a testament to his experience and expertise. He is a colonel in the Air National Guard, where he commands the 153rd Mission Support Group and plays a vital role on the National Guard Bureau’s innovation team. His distinguished career also includes serving as the chief innovation officer at Central Arkansas Water in Little Rock and leading change management at Tyson Foods. Spark has a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Arkansas-Monticello, an MBA in strategic leadership from Trident University and recently completed the leadership in homeland security program at Harvard University in Massachusetts. He is a certified change management professional and Lean Six Sigma master black belt.
Passionate about family and duck hunting, Sparks hails from Fountain Hill and now resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Jamie, and their twin sons.
April Thomas
VP, Mortgage Lending
Gateway Bank
Tiffany Tucker
Estate Attorney
Farrar & Williams
Brendan Turner
General Manager
JTJ Restaurants
Brendan Turner’s career path was forged not in lecture halls, but behind the bar at Top of the Stairs in Blacksburg, Virginia. Rising from kitchen hand to management, Turner honed his skills in every aspect of the hospitality industry.Now, as general manager of North Little Rock’s Cypress Social, Turner’s passion for creating joy through food and drink shines. His journey includes stints at Brave New Restaurant, Glazer’s Distributors and a notable seven-year tenure at Taziki’s, with 7.5 years in management roles. Described by friends as fun-loving, outgoing, and kind, Turner is known for his warm personality and professional demeanor. A sports enthusiast, he considers the first full day of college football the year’s pinnacle. Turner’s philosophy embodies hospitality’s spirit: “We’re not just serving meals; we’re crafting moments. Every dish, every drink is an opportunity to transform someone’s day. That’s our magic – creating happiness, one unforgettable experience at a time.”
Matthew Vannatta
VP, Government Programs & Enterprise Analytics
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Matthew Vannatta is the vice president of government programs and enterprise analytics and chief operating officer at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Little Rock. In that role, he is responsible for marketing, sales and operations related to health insurance products for individuals and seniors older than 65. Vannatta joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 2010 as an analyst for individual products. He moved into a coordinator position with special projects, then became manager of continuous quality improvement. Prior to his current role, he served as lead executive of individual products.
Prior to Arkansas Blue Cross, he held positions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, both in Little Rock. Vannatta earned his undergraduate degree in history and a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. There, he is a graduate of the Walton College Leadership Circle for Healthcare. He and his wife, Carolyn, live in Little Rock and are the proud parents of three boys. In his spare time, he can be found coaching or cheering at his sons’ various sporting events.
Josh Vasquez
Market President
Generations Bank
Josh Vasquez serves as market president at Generations Bank in Rogers. For that, he oversees branch operations, growth goals and community involvement for the Rogers market. Vasquez has more than two decades of experience in the northwest Arkansas banking industry. He is currently attending the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Vasquez serves as an executive board member and treasurer of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce and has been appointed to serve as the 2026 chairman of the board. He also serves on the board of directors at L.I.F.E. Prep of NWA, the advisory board of directors at Salvadoreños Unidos Para Arkansas and the corporate council at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. He is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Springdale and a 2018 graduate of Leadership Benton County. He was recognized with the 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year award by the Rogers-Lowell Chamber.
Darryl Webb Jr.
VP of Operations
Kimco Family Restaurants
Jennifer Webb
VP and Community Development Officer
UP Federal Credit Union
Adam Wells
President
Lumber1 Home Center
Amber White
Owner
White Stone Real Estate
Morgan Wiles
CEO
WinChoice USA
Morgan Wiles is the owner and CEO at WinChoice USA and Morfe Windows. WinChoice USA was co-founded in Mountain Pine in 2012 by Wiles and Shaun Keefe. With a shared passion for entrepreneurship and community building, the pair has successfully grown the businesses to employ over 250 people. Their success extends beyond business, as they now own 75 percent of their hometown of Mountain Pine, where they have established their corporate headquarters. Wiles’ commitment to creating a better community is evident in his focus on providing opportunities for others and fostering an exceptional work environment for his team. Under his leadership, WinChoice USA and Morfe Windows have become industry leaders, driven by a mission to improve the lives of both their customers and employees.
Justin Wittenberg
President and Manager
Ruebel Funeral Home
Danny Young
SVP and Commercial Banker
Arvest Bank
Danny Young serves as senior vice president and commercial banker for Saline County, providing financial solutions and lending expertise to clients locally and regionally. With more than 23 years of banking experience, Young specializes in helping businesses grow through tailored financial strategies. He finds the most rewarding part of his role is adding value to his clients’ businesses and seeing their success. Community involvement is equally important to him, and he actively seeks ways to give back.
Since joining Arvest in 2015, Young has become a familiar face in the central Arkansas banking community. He is married to his wife, Misty, and they share a unique connection — they were born on the same day. Together, they have three daughters, Chloe, Gracie and Dani Jo, making him a proud “girl dad.”
Outside of work, Young enjoys attending games at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where his two eldest daughters cheer on the Reddies, and he never misses his youngest daughter’s games, where she cheers for Bryant Junior High’s Hornets. Young also serves on the boards of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce, the EMpact One Foundation, Bryant Rotary Club and the Bryant Economic Impact Committee.
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