Women We Admire is pleased to present The Top 50 Women Leaders of Arkansas for 2023. From the Hot Springs National Park to the unique Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas features a rich geography characterized by scenic beauty and natural wonders. The state’s diverse landscape contributes significantly to the dynamism of its economy. Aside from traditional industries such as agriculture, technology, and healthcare, the commerce sector thrives with major headquarters and corporations located in Arkansas, including notable names like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Dillard’s.
This year’s leaders are spearheading organizations in areas including supply chain, operational efficiency, and shaping consumer experiences. Their considerable impact plays a crucial role in the growth, resilience, and sustainability of the state’s business landscape.
Among this year’s awardees, Sherece West, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, stands out for her unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized groups and eradicating poverty. Under her leadership, the Foundation has undergone significant reinvention and achieved tremendous growth in the past decade. Another recipient, Amy Fore, serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Clinic Fort Smith, leading part of one of the top 20 highly integrated healthcare systems recognized nationwide. Additionally, as the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Linda Worley has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to leadership, psychiatric education, and overall professional achievement.
We commend these individuals for their commitment to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Arkansas for 2023.
1. Megan Timberlake
Senior Vice President, Walmart Sales & North America Sustainability Leader, Procter & Gamble
Megan Timberlake is the Senior Vice President of Walmart Sales & North America Sustainability Leader of Procter & Gamble. She first joined the company in 2000 as an account manager in health & beauty aids. P&G is an Ohio-based consumer goods company that manufactures and supplies household, personal, and healthcare products around the world. Timberlake has had the opportunity to work across their beauty, baby, health, and food businesses, developing strategies that deliver strong results to retailers and delight the consumers they serve.
As the P&G North America Sustainability Leader, Megan is proud to support P&G’s sustainability efforts and ambitions. She believes that products can be both sustainable and superior. In her role, she strives to bring the company’s sustainability efforts to life through its commercial organization, and retail and industry partners. Whether she is running on a nature trail or working in her garden with her children, she says she is constantly reminded of how beautiful our world is and inspired to continue advocating for the importance of sustainability.
Megan is passionate about investing in the community and seeks to make a positive difference through her work with The Walton Arts Center, The American Heart Association, The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, NextUp—formerly the Network of Executive Women, and as a board member for “Women in Healthcare.” Timberlake earned an undergraduate degree in business administration in marketing from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
2. Tanya Silvio
Head of Corporate Development, Gap
Tanya Silvio is the Head of Corporate Development at Gap. Their brands bridge the gaps they see in the world. Old Navy democratizes style to ensure everyone has access to quality fashion at every price point. Athleta unleashes the potential of every woman, regardless of body size, age, or ethnicity. Banana Republic believes in sustainable luxury for all. And Gap inspires the world to bring individuality to modern, responsibly made essentials.
Silvio is an insightful thinker and doer, who believes that working harder means working smarter. She has a longstanding passion for seeing the world improve through education, equity, and sustainability. Through experience in corporate, non-profit, and government she believes it will take a partnership between these three to make it work. Most recently she has transitioned to corporate development and has experience evaluating M&A deals of all sizes and transaction types. She also has past sell- and buy-side experience at a bulge-bracket bank in the industrials, consumer, and alternative energy industries advising C-suite management and boards of directors for companies from $100mm to over $100 billion in value. Silvio graduated from UCLA Anderson School of Management with an MBA and from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
3. Jinali Desai
Vice President of New Products and Services, CVS Health
Jinali Desai is the Vice President of New Products and Services of CVS Health. She first joined the company in 2022. CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. They reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through their local presence, digital channels, and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Previously, Desai was a VP in strategic planning, data and analytics, health and wellness at Walmart. Desai earned an MBA from Emory University - Goizueta Business School.
4. Amy Tu
Group President, International Markets & Chief Administrative Officer, Tyson Foods
Amy Tu is the Group President of International Markets and Chief Administrative Officer of Tyson Foods. Tyson Foods is an Arkansas-based food production company that produces and markets chicken, beef, and pork products to restaurants, retail stores, and food service sectors. Tu leads the Company’s international business with over 18,000 team members globally. She is responsible for Tyson’s international growth, its strategy, and global operations. Tu leads a diverse team across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Australia, and the United States.
Tu joined Tyson from The Boeing Company where she held progressive leadership positions in law, corporate development, and strategy departments. She served as chief counsel for Boeing's global law affairs, commercial airplanes, and aviation services divisions, supporting multiple business and functional leaders worldwide. Tu was also instrumental in shaping the global law affairs practice as Boeing’s first regional counsel based in London, England, with responsibilities for commercial, military, and defense matters in Europe, Russia, and Israel. Prior to joining Boeing in 2001, Tu led global transactions and international legal matters as an international corporate counsel at The Gap and Walmart. Throughout her career, Tu has developed deep expertise in establishing and supporting global operations, executing complex cross-border, international, and domestic transactions, and developing and integrating teams and new ventures into existing businesses. Tu earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics from Wellesley College, and in 2013 was selected as the Johnson Fellow for the University of Arkansas. Tu serves as a member of the NWA Council Executive Committee and as a board member of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA).
5. Diana Marshall
Chief Growth Officer, Sam's Club
Diana Marshall serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Sam’s Club. Sam's Club owns and operates a chain of membership-only retail warehouse clubs that offers merchandise and services for business owners. In this role, she aims to keep Sam’s Club ahead of the curve through member-obsessed and data-driven strategies. She and her team are focused on identifying, developing, and growing revenue streams such as membership income, eCommerce, MAP (retail ads business), and financial services while doubling down on convenience as the differentiator for members.
Before joining Sam’s Club, Marshall began her career at Walmart 18 years ago as a replenishment trainee in consumables. During her time in replenishment, she partnered with the supply chain closely to create new inventory flow methods. She has also led various merchandising teams, which enabled her to develop a deep understanding of omni-merchandising and product development across multiple areas in general merchandise and consumables. Most recently, Marshall served as the executive vice president of the Southwest Business Unit for Walmart US operations. There, she oversaw five regions across 12 states, including some 750 Supercenters and 225,000 associates. In addition, she had responsibility for the Walmart+ store experience and operations oversight for the Dallas Innovation Hub for end-to-end transformation. Marshall has an extensive business and supply chain management background, earning her undergraduate degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University and her master’s in operations management from the University of Arkansas.
6. Megan Iseler
Vice President of Fleet & DOT Compliance, Aramark
Megan Iseler is the Vice President of Fleet & DOT Compliance of Aramark. Aramark proudly serves the world's leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 18 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because their culture is rooted in service, their employees strive to do great things for each other, their partners, their communities, and the planet. Iseler has 18 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Before joining Aramark, Iseler was a senior manager of fleet safety and compliance at Walmart. Earlier in her career she worked with Cobb-Vantress as a safety manager. Iseler graduated from John Brown University with an undergraduate degree.
7. Natalie Julich
Head of Experience Design, Arvest Bank
Natalie Julich is the Head of Experience Design at Arvest Bank. Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Julich is a strategic leader passionate about transforming experiences through true cross-functional collaboration. Over fifteen years working with major brands, ten spent in omnichannel product and services development with a customer-first attitude and insights-driven approach to innovation and revenue opportunities.
Julich was a digital marketing consultant at The Creative Group. From there, she went on to Pearson VUE, before eventually rising to director of product management at Walmart, her most recent position prior to joining Arvest Bank. Julich graduated from The Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School with a master’s in marketing and business and from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an undergraduate degree in strategic communication.
8. Rachel Brand
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary, Walmart
Rachel Brand is Walmart’s Executive Vice President of Global Governance, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary. Walmart is an Arkansas-based multinational retailer that operates hypermarkets, discount department stores, and warehouse stores. Brand oversees the company’s global legal, compliance, ethics, corporate governance, digital citizenship, aviation, investigative, and corporate security functions, including Walmart’s Emergency Operations Center.
Before joining Walmart, Brand served as the United States Associate Attorney General and holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve in this role. She had previously served in the US Department of Justice as the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy during President George W. Bush’s administration. Her other government service includes an appointment by President Obama to serve as a Member of the US Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, service as an Associate Counsel to the President at the White House, and judicial clerkships with Justice Charles Fried of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts as well as Justice Anthony Kennedy at the Supreme Court of the United States. In the private sector, Brand was a lawyer in private practice at two law firms in Washington, DC, and served as the Vice President and Chief Counsel for Regulatory Litigation at the US Chamber of Commerce Litigation Center. Brand earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris and her JD from Harvard Law School.
9. Sharla Lau
President & Principal Broker, Coldwell Banker
Sharla Lau is the President and Principal Broker of Coldwell Banker. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a company founded in 1906 on a commitment to professionalism and customer service, remains the cornerstone of their business philosophy today. They are the nation's oldest real estate company and their experience has helped make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of families.
Lau has been in the real estate business for over 25 years. Has served as president of the Arkansas Realtors Association and in 2005 was selected as Arkansas Realtor of the Year. She has also been chosen by her local Board of Realtors, The Fort Smith Board of Realtors as Realtor of the Year in 2003 and 2005. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Realtors Association, National Director for the National Association of Realtors, Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and St. Edward Mercy Medical Center. She is very active in her church and works with the food bank of her church. Currently, she serves as the Major Investor Council Representative for Arkansas for the National Association of Realtors and serves on the RPAC Fundraising Committee, Region 9. Lau graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
10. Linda Worley
Chief Wellness Officer, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Linda Worley is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. UAMS is the state's only comprehensive academic health center, with a graduate school, a hospital, a northwest Arkansas regional campus, a statewide network of regional centers, and seven institutes.
Worley is a native of the Pacific Northwest and earned her undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She was an AOA graduate of the Oklahoma University College of Medicine and completed her residency in psychiatry including a year of child psychiatry there. She joined the academic faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and rose through the ranks to become a tenured Professor of Psychiatry in 2007, with a secondary appointment in obstetrics and gynecology for her work in women’s mental health. She established the UAMS Student and Faculty Wellness programs, led the UAMS General Hospital Psychiatry Consultation Service, and created the ANGELS (Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines Education and Learning System) Women’s Mental Health Consultation Service.
Worley received an American Psychiatric Association (APA) Gold Award for leading Arkansas CARES, a model program for the nation treating dually diagnosed pregnant and parenting women in a residential setting with their children. Worley was instrumental in the modification of the Arkansas medical licensure questions to promote physician self-care. She served for over a decade as core faculty in the Vanderbilt Center for Professional Health Distressed Physicians Course. During her tenure as Regional Associate Dean of the UAMS Northwest College of Medicine, Worley led the expansion of the UAMS College of Medicine in Fayetteville, Arkansas to offer all 4 years of medical school including a competitive 3 year MD track.
Worley has been honored with 10 red sash awards from graduating medical students, and she received the UAMS College of Medicine Parent’s Club Award 'for demonstrating compassion, empathy, integrity, encouragement, and character'. She was also the recipient of the UAMS Outstanding Woman Faculty Award 'for excellence in leadership, mentoring, scholarship and professional achievement', and received the Robert Shannon MD Award for her outstanding contributions to psychiatric education in the state of Arkansas. She was honored with the Association for Academic Psychiatry Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-term sustained educational leadership. Nationally, Worley served as president of the Association for Academic Psychiatry and as president of the Academy of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She chaired the 2018 American Psychiatric Association Scientific Program Committee organizing an international meeting for more than 15,000 psychiatrists.
11. Sara Riggin
Vice President, Risk Management Agile Consultant - Business Banking, US Bank
Sara Riggin is the Vice President of Risk Management Agile Consultant - Business Banking of US Bank. She first joined the company in 2009 as a teller. US Bancorp, with nearly 77,000 employees and $557 billion in assets, is the parent company of US Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The US Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment clients across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner.
Riggin is a results-driven leader with proven expertise in regulations and standards governing banking and consumer loans. She is highly detail-oriented and decisive in identifying and correcting risk and compliance concerns. Previously, Riggin was a development intern at the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation. Riggin earned an undergraduate degree in marketing, international business, and Spanish from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
12. Mary Ward
Chief People Officer, EVP, Acxiom
Mary Ward serves as Chief People Officer at Acxiom, leading all people initiatives and programs aligned with Acxiom’s core values. Acxiom is a customer intelligence company that provides data-driven solutions to enable the world's best marketers to better understand their customers to create better experiences and business growth. A leader in customer data management, identity, and the ethical use of data for more than 50 years, Acxiom now helps thousands of clients and partners around the globe work together to create millions of better customer experiences, every day. Acxiom is a registered trademark of Acxiom LLC and is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG). Ward is focused on embracing an innovation agenda geared at engaging, building, and expanding value across all Acxiom employees.
Prior to this role, Ward served as an HR business partner in each of the business and shared services functions. Since joining Acxiom in 1998, Ward has held a variety of associate and leadership positions, including several business analyst positions, client services manager, and director of client services. With a passion for associate care, people, and leadership development, Ward transitioned into Acxiom’s HR organization in 2012. By coupling her business acumen with her passion for people, Ward leverages her broad cross-functional skills to ensure all Acxiom associates and leaders thrive at Acxiom. She provides leadership on several enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, including organizational development, compensation, operations, project/program management, talent management, acquisition, and development. Ward holds an undergraduate degree from Arkansas Tech University. She lives in the Central Arkansas area with her husband Tim and their two children.
13. Amy Fore
Chief Operating Officer, Mercy Clinic Fort Smith, Mercy
Amy Fore is the Chief Operating Officer at the Mercy Clinic Fort Smith of Mercy. She first joined the company in 2012 as VP of operations. Mercy, one of the 20 largest US health systems and named the top large system in the US for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and is one of the nation's largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic, and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers, and pharmacies.
Drawn to the sciences, Amy Fore began her healthcare career as a pharmacy technician. In 2008, she earned a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock after mentors at St. Vincent Health System in Little Rock encouraged her to develop her leadership skills.
She oversees daily operations, workflows, financial performance, marketing, and strategic planning for Mercy. She and a physician partner are responsible for nearly 200 physicians, 90 advanced practitioners, and 670 healthcare workers in 45 clinics across a 13-county region in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
Fore has co-authored a book, written various healthcare journal articles, and is a board member for the Reynolds Cancer Support House and Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Previously, Fore was a director of operations of cancer services at St. John's Health System. She was also named in the Top 40 Under 40 in the Talk Business and Politics Journal.
14. Marie Findlay
Senior Vice President, Talent, Learning and Corporate HR, Acosta Group
Marie Findlay is the Senior Vice President of Talent, Learning, and Corporate HR of Acosta Group. Acosta Group fuses storied expertise, unmatched connectivity, and advanced insight to accelerate brand growth – everywhere you sell. Their collective of the most trusted retail, marketing, and food service agencies is reimagining how people connect with brands at every point in the consumer journey.
Findlay has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2002. Findlay is a commercially focused strategic talent acquisition leader with a passion for developing innovative and data-driven talent strategies to attract and hire the best talent, with a focus on creating inclusive and memorable experiences. She has significant experience in developing and aligning talent strategy to business needs, including designing and implementing tools, technology, processes, and structure globally, as well as building and leading high-performing teams. She has a hunger for analytics and leveraging internal and external data and insights to influence key business decisions and drive business results.
Before joining Acosta Group, Findlay was a senior director II of global talent acquisition at Walmart, and before that a director of global talent acquisition at Kellogg Company. Earlier in her career she worked with Aon as a senior claims adjuster. Findlay graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an MA and from Heriot-Watt University with an undergraduate degree in marketing management.
15. Jennifer Gallant
Modernization & Transformation Partner, Regions Bank
Jennifer Gallant began her professional career 28 years ago. Today, she is the Modernization & Transformation Partner of Regions Bank. Regions Financial Corporation, with $155 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and a Member FDIC.
Gallant is a respected manager of information technology and web development with expertise in a diverse range of industry methodologies, and who has demonstrated success in project management, operational management, web development, and business processes.
Gallant first got her start in 1995 as a staff manager at Verizon Wireless. From there, she went on to Allied Wireless Communications Corporation / AT&T, before eventually rising to manager of security onboarding services at FIS, her most recent position prior to joining Regions Bank. Gallant graduated from Arkansas State University with an MBA and from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
16. Jennifer Mitchell
Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Georgia-Pacific
Jennifer Mitchell is the Senior Human Resources Business Partner of Georgia-Pacific. Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, and building products. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 89,000 jobs indirectly.
Mitchell’s career experience encompasses approximately 24 years with Alcoa and then its successor company, Reynolds Consumer Products, at three locations and includes managing areas of human resources, procurement, sales/customer service, and finance/payroll. In addition, Alcoa/Reynolds provided opportunities to gain valuable experience in production planning, inventory control, and budget development and maintenance. She has worked at the Alcoa Chemical Plant and its remediation mining site in Bauxite, Arkansas, and the hot spring continuous rolling mill in Malvern, Arkansas. After a fulfilling career with Alcoa/Reynolds, Mitchell joined Rockline Industries at the Booneville, Arkansas location.
In 2019, Mitchell joined Schlumberger (SLB), where they manufacture premium valves and industrial diamond products utilized in the oil and gas industry. The company has consistently been a leader in innovation and continues to push the envelope of what is possible with its products. Mitchell graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
17. Shannon Letts
Senior Vice President, Real Estate, Procurement and Sustainability, Big Lots Stores
Shannon Letts is the Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Procurement, and Sustainability at Big Lots. She manages the company’s real estate, construction, facilities maintenance, property management, and procurement for more than 1,400 stores. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots, Inc. is a discount retailer operating approximately 1,400 stores in 47 states with product assortments in the merchandise categories of furniture, seasonal, soft home, food, consumables, hard home, electronics, toys, and accessories.
Shannon is a seasoned executive in the retail and real estate industry, a regular presenter/participant in the board room, a member of the CEO’s executive committee, and currently reports to the CFO. She also is a member of the Board of Trustees for ICSC, a 50k+ member industry trade association, as well as a charitable board member. Shannon has a proven track record for P&L ownership, multi-channel transformation, and large-scale innovation to achieve results. She is also a technology patent holder.
Prior to joining Big Lots, she was the head of property management for Walton Enterprises — the family office of the Walton family — where she led a team responsible for managing acquisition, construction, property management, insurance, and security. Letts began her career at Walmart, where she spent more than two decades in various real estate roles as a director, vice president, and senior vice president overseeing new store real estate growth, procurement, and facilities maintenance. Letts holds an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Arkansas and completed executive studies in real estate and finance at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. She is on the board of trustees of ICSC — a real estate trade association — and is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County.
18. Karen Jewell
Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Karen Jewell is the Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology of J.B. Hunt Transport Services where she has worked in the transportation industry for 17 years. J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company that specializes in technology-driven freight shipping for large and small businesses. A top-ranked third-party logistics (3PL) provider and one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, they provide safe and reliable services for a diverse group of customers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. Utilizing an integrated, multimodal approach, J.B. Hunt offers capacity-oriented solutions centered on delivering customer value and industry-leading service. Jewell has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
She holds an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville (2000) and has been a member of the Academy since 2015. Since induction, she has served as the committee chair for A4U supporting the IE Department through mock interviews and mentor circles, served as a board member for several years, and was president in 2020. She is an avid supporter of STEM education by organizing Engineering Week at her son’s school, McNair Middle School, over the last two years.
Before joining J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Jewell was an associate client director at Walmart at Nielsen and before that a director of business solutions at JB Hunt.
19. Lisa Bridgers
Chief People Officer, North America, VMLY&R
Lisa Bridgers has been the Chief People Officer of North America for VMLY&R since 2021. VMLY&R is a creative brand agency that creates connected brands people love through brand experience, commerce, and customer experience. As a celebrated leader in advertising, VMLY&R has been recognized by Fast Company, Ad Age A-List, Campaign, Cannes Lions, Forrester, Gartner, and more.
As Chief People Officer, Bridgers focuses her energy on furthering a connected employee experience across VMLY&R. Bridgers joined (then) VML in 2017 when Rockfish was acquired by VML. She originally joined Rockfish as part of the talent acquisition team and spent the following years implementing progressive human resources practices centered on the concept of people first, which led to her appointment as Chief People Officer at Rockfish, and ultimately as Chief People Officer at VMLY&R. She oversees a People Team that spans every aspect of the employee lifecycle from talent engagement to development, retention and growth. Bridgers is committed to ensuring VMLY&R attracts the best talent and develops them in ways that allow them to create a long career with the agency.
Bridgers has been working in talent acquisition and human resources functions for more than two decades, including stints with Saatchi & Saatchi X, Robert Half International, and as owner of a successful consulting firm on the West Coast. She is the co-creator of the Women in the Workforce conference and a member of the Executive Advisory Committee for the Women’s Empowerment Center. Bridgers has been recognized with a C-Suite award and a Women in Business award from the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. Bridgers holds an undergraduate degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University and is an active volunteer in her community.
20. Amy Carrasquillo
Vice President and Treasurer, Dillards
Amy Carrasquillo is the Vice President and Treasurer of Dillards. Dillard's, Inc. ranks among the nation's largest fashion apparel and home furnishings retailers with annual revenues exceeding $6.1 billion. The company focuses on delivering maximum fashion and value to its shoppers by offering compelling apparel and home selections complemented by exceptional customer care.
Carrasquillo is an accounting professional with extensive experience in general ledger accounting, non-profit accounting, financial analysis, treasury management, forecasting, and budget development. A proven leader recognized for sound decision-making abilities, strong analytical skills, financial acuity, and outstanding performance developed from a solid background in accounting, governance, and treasury management. She has broad supervisory experience with a dedication to growth and development within her teams.
Prior to joining Dillard's, she spent over 13 years in the international trade and development industry as director of global finance and corporate secretary for Rockefeller-based organization, Winrock International. Carrasquillo graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with an MA and from the University of Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in accounting. Her community and board of directors experience include the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Executive Committee (served as chair in 2023), the Winrock International Foundation Board, and the Grace Church Board of Trustees.
21. Sherece West-Scantlebury, PhD
President & CEO, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Sherece West is the President and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, a private foundation that seeks to disrupt the systems that block Arkansans who are striving to get out of poverty. They are in relentless pursuit of educational, economic, social, ethnic, and racial equity. West is a leading 21st-century voice on the eradication of global poverty. From her early beginnings impacting policy as a lobbyist in NYC to leading programs at some of the most prestigious foundations in the Southeastern United States, West has been unwavering in her quest to increase prosperity amongst marginalized groups and end poverty in her lifetime. West currently serves as the President and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation in Little Rock, Arkansas where she has led the organization through reinvention and tremendous growth over the last decade.
Known for her leadership in the areas of community development, public policy, and disaster recovery, West is a transformational leader who is unafraid to ask the tough questions that challenge conventional thinking, action, and funding around impoverished communities. West graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a PhD in Public Policy, from the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy Studies with a master’s in public policy, and from Bowie State University with an undergraduate in public administration.
22. Mary Sprong
Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Mary Sprong is the Managing Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers. At PwC, their purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. They're a network of firms in 152 countries with over 327,000 people who are committed to delivering quality assurance, advisory, and tax services. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity.
Sprong has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2002. Sprong is an experienced audit Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry. She is a strong accounting professional skilled in accounting, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), internal controls, mergers & acquisitions, and financial accounting.
Before joining PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sprong was a director of technical accounting at Qwest Communications. Sprong graduated from San Diego State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
23. Mindy West
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Fuels, Murphy USA
Mindy West is the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Fuels of Murphy USA Inc. Murphy USA is proud to be one of the highest-volume convenience retailers in the United States. Such exponential growth speaks to Murphy's commitment to providing quality fuels, convenient locations, and best-in-class customer service. After working for Murphy Oil Corporation for 17 years, she joined the company in 2013 when it spun off from Murphy Oil Corporation.
Prior to West’s current position, she was the director of investor relations from 2001 to 2006, and then served as a vice president and treasurer from 2007 to 2013 at Murphy Oil Corporation. With a growing network of almost 1,700 retail stores in 28 states, the team at Murphy USA serves more than 1.6 million customers each day. West continually expands her leadership roles while actively supporting the El Dorado and greater Arkansas communities by serving as a Director on the Boards of Simmons First National Corporation, SHARE Foundation, Razorback Foundation, and United Way Union County. West earned an undergraduate degree in finance from The University of Arkansas. She later obtained an undergraduate degree in accounting from Southern Arkansas University and attained her CPA the week following graduation in order to get her foot in the door at Murphy Oil Corporation. She is both a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Treasury Professional.
24. Nissa Mondahl
Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management, National Park Service
Nissa Mondahl is the Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management of the National Park Service. She first joined the company in 2015. Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record, and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways. Mondahl is highly experienced in interpretation and visitor services with a demonstrated history of working in the government sector. She is a strong management professional skilled in administration, personnel, partnerships, recruiting, and training.
Previously, Mondahl was a background investigation assistant at the Internal Revenue Service and before that assistant manager for recruiting at the US Census Bureau. Earlier in her career she worked with US Navy as a data systems technician. Mondahl earned an MA from the University of Cincinnati and an undergraduate degree in anthropology from William & Mary.
25. Mary Michaels
Chief Human Resources Officer, Windstream
Mary Michaels is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Windstream. Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the US. The company also provides premium broadband, entertainment, and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Michaels has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Michaels is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry. She is highly skilled in compensation, benefits, human resources, budgeting, investor relations, corporate finance, business development, and strategic planning. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused in finance from Webster University.
26. Cassie Bell
Senior Vice President of Human Resources, USAG NAPA, NAPA Auto Parts
Cassie Bell is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at NAPA Auto Parts. More than 90 years ago, the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) was created to meet America's growing need for an effective auto parts distribution system.
She has a fundamental belief in people – their growth, their well-being, their abilities – so, to her, human resources is much more than just following procedures and keeping employees “in line”. She joined HR over 20 years ago because she felt a calling to change management practices around hiring, inclusion, engagement, and development. She saw first-hand changes that started to happen and how people felt because of those practices, and it cemented her passion for HR.
Bell’s strong HR operational background combined with her love of different cultures and people is why she is passionate about practicing in the global world. She wants to make a difference in others’ lives and she strives to help people to realize their full potential.
Before joining NAPA Auto Parts, Bell was a VP of HR strategy and operations at Genuine Parts Company and before that a senior director of human resources business partner at Walmart. Earlier in her career she worked with CompUSA as an operations manager. Bell graduated from Oakland University with an MA and an undergraduate degree in human resources development.
27. Ashlee Dunahoo
Executive Business Partner, Dropbox
Ashlee Dunahoo is the Executive Business Partner of Dropbox. She first joined the company in 2021 as an administrative business partner. Dropbox is the one place to keep life organized and keep work moving. With more than 700 million registered users across 180 countries, they're on a mission to design a more enlightened way of working. Dropbox is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and has offices around the world.
Previously, Dunahoo was an interior designer and project manager at Design Build with Ashlee and before that a founder and lead designer at The Revival Co. Earlier in her career she worked with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel as a district administrator and executive assistant. Dunahoo earned an undergraduate degree in general studies from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
28. Danna Caldwell
Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Training, Outreach & Marketing, Friendship Community Care
Caldwell feels fortunate to serve as the EVP of Human Resources, Training, Outreach, and Marketing for a state-wide, non-profit organization providing life-long services to children and adults with disabilities, behavioral health, and complex support needs.
She is a highly effective executive with over 30 years of human resources and operations experience and a track record of creating, implementing, and managing successful programs throughout multi-state, multi-industry organizations. She has worked closely with client's executive teams to create innovative, effective employee lifecycle programs, including but not limited to recruitment, talent management, conflict management, policy creation, program design, process improvement, restructuring, team building, coaching, mentoring, training, software implementation, and special projects.
Caldwell’s community leadership roles include the Arkansas Children's Hospital, Circle of Friends on the State Board of Directors, and as State Board President. She is also on the Board of Directors holding positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce. She is on the Board of Directors as Director of Volunteer Support with the RussVegas Foot Race Foundation.
She is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a licensed life, accident, health & sickness producer. She is also a 2021 Leadership Arkansas Class XV graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
29. Theresa Johnson
Human Resources Business Partner, Kennametal
Theresa Johnson is the Human Resources Business Partner of Kennametal. She first joined the company in 2022. At the forefront of advanced materials innovation for more than 75 years, Kennametal Inc. is a global industrial technology leader delivering productivity to customers through materials science, tooling, and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency.
Previously, Johnson was a human resources manager at Novolex, and before that an HR and safety coordinator at Gilster-Mary Lee, Corp. Johnson graduated from Missouri Southern State University.
30. Karomy Kimbel
President in Commercial Housing, Kimbel Mechanical
Karomy Kimbel began her professional career 13 years ago. Today, she is the President of Commercial Housing at Kimbel Mechanical. At Kimbel Mechanical Systems, a $76 million business with more than 250 employees nationwide, Karomy has worked her way up to project manager in less than three years with the company. She oversees the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical installation work in KMS’ commercial housing division. Of the six project managers at KMS, Bridwell is the youngest. She’s currently managing nine projects in northern Colorado, totaling about 800 units and $10 million in revenue. Karomy supervises about 10 employees in KMS’ commercial division and manages another 20 to 25 subcontractors.
Karomy, an Alma native, earned an undergraduate degree in organizational management from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in 2013 in organization leadership. While in college, she worked for a local insurance company, eventually earning a property and casualty license in 2012 at the age of 20. She also earned a promotion that year, managing about 75 commercial accounts.
The following year, though, she shifted gears, opting to leave a budding insurance career and go to work for Hot Water Heroes, a startup service enterprise and sister company to KMS. In less than a year, she moved into KMS’ warranty department, and in 2014 was promoted to bid manager. That opened the door to learning even more about the company’s operations, and her leadership skills and work ethic caught the eye of KMS executives, who tapped her for project management in 2015.
As her career grows, Bridwell says “the sky is the limit” at KMS, and she wants to stretch the boundaries of women in the construction industry. She is pursuing a graduate degree in construction management from Southern New Hampshire University and also participates in numerous events for the state chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
31. Erin Butler
Chief of Staff, Division of Student Affairs, University of Arkansas
Erin Butler is the Chief of Staff in the Division of Student Affairs of the University of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas is Arkansas' only R1 research institution and is the flagship land-grant campus of the U of A System. They provide an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs and contribute more than $2.2 billion in economic impact to the state of Arkansas. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among the top 3 percent of colleges and universities in America with the highest level of research activity. US News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities.
Butler has worked in higher education for 12 years, collaborating with academic and student success units. She has experience with departmental leadership, first-year student success programs, family programs, enrollment management, teaching & facilitation, marketing and communications, strategic planning, and assessment. Butler received her undergraduate degree in communications studies from Texas Christian University, and her master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of South Carolina.
32. Susan Steelman
Professor and Head of Education and Research Services, Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library
Susan Steelman is currently a Professor and Head of Education and Research Services at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library. UAMS is the state's only comprehensive academic health center, with colleges of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, health professions, and public health.
She is a member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) at the Distinguished Level. Before becoming head of the department, Steelman created and coordinated the Library’s Research & Clinical Search Services (RCSS) which included managing the RCS workflow for expert literature searches, instruction, consultations, and house calls. In 2010 Steelman graduated from the UAMS Leadership Institute. Prior to the RCSS, Steelman spent 11 years as coordinator of outreach services and was responsible for the UAMS Library’s outreach subcontract with the National Library of Medicine (NLM). She began her medical librarian career at the Delta Health Education Center Library in Helena, AR.
Steelman’s professional activities are varied and include numerous paper and poster presentations, some of which have received research awards from MLA, SCAMeL/SCC, and UAMS. Her research interests include flexible work environments and work/life balance issues in health sciences libraries as well as librarian participation on IACUCs and librarians’ roles in the systematic review process. Steelman is active at the national and regional levels within professional organizations. At the national level, she is a member of the Journal of the Medical Library Association Editorial Board and is serving on the MLA Credentialing Committee. Regionally she has held many leadership roles including serving as past president of the South Central Chapter of MLA. In 2015 Steelman was honored with SCC’s Distinguished Service Award. Steelman earned an MLIS from Louisiana State University and an undergraduate degree in English literature from Southeastern Louisiana University - Hammond, LA.
33. Katie Redmond
Vice President of Finance - Pet Food, Simmons Foods
Katie Redmond is the Vice President of Finance in Pet Food of Simmons Foods, the leading North American private-label and contract manufacturer of wet pet food. They source high-quality ingredients and use state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to produce premium and value-focused pet food. They supply top brands and retailers with products in a variety of formats, including cans, pouches, and cups with operations in Northwest Arkansas, Emporia, Kansas, Dubuque, Iowa, and Ontario, Canada. Redmond has 13 years of experience.
Katie joined Simmons in 2010 as a plant accountant. Since then, she has served as sales and financial reporting manager, cost accounting manager, senior financial analyst, and senior director of FP&A. She now serves as the Vice President of Finance, focusing on all sides of the business unit’s accounting operations, corporate strategy initiatives, five-year planning, budgeting, and growth initiatives. She lives each day intending to do better than the day before – a similar mindset that Simmons is driven by, there’s always a better way.
Katie earned her undergraduate degree in private accounting with a minor in leadership and ethics from John Brown University. In the past, she volunteered her time with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and has recently graduated from the Workmatters Senior Leaders Program.
34. Jennifer Milwee
Head of Global Leadership Development, RWS Group
Jennifer Milwee is the Head of Global Leadership Development at RWS Group. They are the world's leading provider of technology-enabled language, content management, and intellectual property services. They help their customers to connect with people globally by communicating business-critical content at scale and enabling the protection and realization of their ideas and innovations. They work with 90 of the top 100 global brands, the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, and 18 of the top 20 patent filers worldwide. Milwee has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2003.
Milwee partners with team members across the globe to build and deliver an integrated, global leadership development curriculum that includes: an on-demand learning portal, virtual classroom sessions, and an innovative and experiential Foundations of Leadership program. She is currently maintaining a coaching caseload of between 4 and 6 senior leaders across SDL to support and challenge their growth, ensuring they are well-prepared to take the next step in their careers. She also partners with top teams across RWS to identify strengths, factors that may be getting in the way of success, and action plans that lead to high performance with an emphasis on collaboration and conflict resolution.
Before joining RWS Group, Milwee was a senior director of learning and talent management at Acxiom and before that a partner at The Distinct Edge Group, LLC. Earlier in her career she worked with Unisys Corporation as a director of the global executive and leadership development. Milwee graduated from the University of Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
35. Michelle Hurst
Partner, FORVIS
Michelle Hurst is the Partner of FORVIS. FORVIS, LLP ranks among the nation's top 10 public accounting firms. FORVIS is driven by the commitment to use their forward vision to deliver unmatched client experiences. FORVIS was formed in 2022 through the combination of two firms with more than 150 years of combined experience, both committed to providing high-quality personal service. FORVIS brings a distinct legacy of what it means to provide professional services that go above and beyond.
Hurst is a member of the FORVIS National Commercial Products Group and has more than seventeen years of experience providing audit and accounting services to commercial entities. These entities include manufacturing and distribution, commercial, and tech and services entities. Hurst is also very experienced in providing audit services for employee benefit plans.
She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. Hurst is a member of the Finance Committee for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma and is actively involved in the activities of that organization. Hurst is a 2004 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with an undergraduate degree with an emphasis in accounting.
36. Carlen Hooker
EVP Sales, Chief Commercial Officer, Church & Dwight
Carlen Hooker is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer since April 2023 and formerly the vice president from September 2019 to April 2023. Church & Dwight is a world leader in household and personal care products. Founded in 1846, they have operations globally and are listed in the S&P 500. At Church & Dwight, they power people every day by providing quality, affordable consumer products. This is a place where ambition meets impact. They take pride in owning their areas of expertise.
Prior to joining Church & Dwight, Hooker was vice president of Ferrero USA Inc., where she was responsible for $256M in gross sales across four departments at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Before that, she was the senior vice president at Acosta, a large private-equity-owned sales and marketing agency, where she led the Acosta Walmart Business Solutions team consisting of retail analytics, category management, replenishment, eCommerce, and direct headquarter selling. From January 2015 to January 2019, she was the vice president of Sun Products Corp., where she was responsible for assessing, defining, and implementing One Sun solutions at top retailers across all channels and delivering $900 million in laundry aisle revenue at Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Previously, Hooker held various positions with increasing responsibility at Tracfone Wireless Inc., Novartis United States, Pfizer Inc., Nielsen Company, and Kellogg Company. Hooker graduated from the University of Arkansas with an MBA and from the University of Michigan with an undergraduate degree in psychology and communications.
37. Nancy McDonald
Managing Director, Fidelity National Information Services
Nancy McDonald is the Managing Director of Fidelity National Information Services. FIS is at the heart of the commerce and financial transactions that power the world's economy. They are passionate about helping businesses and communities thrive by advancing the way the world pays, banks, and invests, serving more than 20,000 clients and more than one million merchant locations in over 130 countries.
McDonald is a 30+ year veteran of the technology and financial services industry helping companies drive transformation through profitability and process improvements. At FIS, she is focused on helping clients achieve efficiencies through technology transformation, modernization, automation, operational improvements, and application and cloud rationalization services. McDonald is recognized for creating strong relationships by identifying customer needs and crafting solutions that meet these needs while exceeding business objectives.
Previously, McDonald served in many roles over her career such as director of client services for a large global consulting firm, SVP for a financial services division of a large, multi-national corporation, VP for a consumer financial services division, and VP of application development for a large automotive financial services company. McDonald served on the Vehicle Finance Board of Directors and Partner Board at the American Financial Services Association where she received the Distinguished Service Award honoring her contributions to the consumer finance and credit industry. In addition, she has been a member of the ABA, CBA, and other industry and trade organizations. McDonald graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
38. Kim Yansen
Vice President in Walmart, Mondelēz International
Kim Yansen is the Vice President at Walmart of Mondelēz International. She first joined the company in 2012 as associate director in shopper marketing. Mondelēz International, Inc. is an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company based in Illinois that employs approximately 80,000 individuals around the world. Yansen is a highly motivated professional with strong leadership skills, as well as proven success in developing teams and businesses to drive growth.
Previously, Yansen was an associate director of shopper marketing at Kraft Foods Group and before that a retail brand manager at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Earlier in her career she worked with Anheuser-Busch as a lead customer information specialist. Yansen earned an MBA from Webster University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from The University of Missouri.
39. Jamie Pafford-Gresham
President and Chief Executive Officer, Pafford Medical Services
Jamie Pafford-Gresham’s first-hand experience in all departments within her family’s medical transportation company helps solidify her role as CEO of one of the largest privately family-owned ambulance services in the Country and has resulted in her continuing a 56-year-old company legacy of excellent emergency medical care.
Jamie oversees the operations for Pafford’s 5 state service area, ensuring her paramedics provide excellent emergency medical care to over 100 communities as well as safeguarding the company’s financial integrity. Jamie deliberately and actively participates in evaluating the company’s growth opportunities while also advocating on Capitol Hill for EMS providers on the state and national levels. Her true passion is advocating for Rural EMS, ensuring their success in protecting the healthcare safety net in small communities nationwide. She has worked tirelessly and successfully on reimbursement programs specifically for ambulance providers, such as Upper Payment Limit models and balance billing legislation in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Today, Jamie is President and CEO of Pafford Medical Services, serves as President-Elect of the American Ambulance Association, and serves on numerous state ambulance boards. She is also a member of the governor-appointed Arkansas 911 Board. As Vice President of the Miss Arkansas Foundation Board, Jamie has helped ensure educational goals of young women across Arkansas are achieved through the hundreds of thousands of dollars of scholarships that have been awarded.
As she continues to call Hope, Arkansas, home with her high school sweetheart husband, Ben Gresham, and two children, she also serves on many local committees within her community, such as the University of Arkansas – Hope & Texarkana Board of Visitors and the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and is the Executive Director for two Miss Arkansas Preliminary Competitions.
40. Trenda Ray
Chief Nursing Officer, UAMS
Trenda Ray is the Chief Nursing Officer of UAMS. UAMS is the state's only comprehensive academic health center, with colleges of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, health professions, and public health.
Ray is responsible for ensuring quality nursing care and has executive oversight for the hospital’s nursing units, respiratory care, international services, and pastoral care. She also is responsible for the care management team, including hospital and outpatient services, the inpatient psychiatric social work team, and community health advocates. Ray joined UAMS in 2011 as the ambulatory operations officer and director of ambulatory nursing. She served as director of accreditation and compliance from 2014 to January 2017, when she was named to lead the care management program. In 2018, she served as the associate vice chancellor for patients and families.
Before joining UAMS in 2011, Ray served for more than 10 years in various roles at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, including as director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. She also served as the director of clinical operations for ambulatory services and as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. She was awarded the Society of Pediatric Nurses New Researcher Award of Excellence in 2008. Ray earned an undergraduate degree in nursing from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia in 1997. She then earned a master of science in Nursing in 2000 and a PhD in Nursing in 2010, both from UAMS.
41. Megan Marie Bolinder, PhD
Executive Director, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Megan Bolinder is the Executive Director of the Trails and Trades Division at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). This new division is comprised of Bicycle Technicians, Trails, Construction Technology, and other trades programs, and has been generously funded by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to promote active transportation, mountain biking, and sustainable trail development in Northwest Arkansas. Prior to this role, she was the Dean of Workforce and Economic Development for four years, which followed three years of service as the Dean of Communication and Arts. She remains a PT faculty member to stay connected to students and the classroom, which is where her heart remains. She holds a PhD in English Studies from the University of Illinois, Chicago with an emphasis on Language, Literacy, and Rhetoric.
Prior to NWACC, Bolinder taught at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at Malcolm X College in Chicago, Illinois. Her professional loyalty is to community college students working to better their lives, and her current mission is learning everything she can about cycling, sustainable trails, and active transportation industries and their workforce needs. Bolinder believes in the power of communication and design-thinking - the connection of form to function, theory to practice, and listening to learning - in all pathways of career development, for every type of learner and worker, from entry-level to executive leadership.
42. Jennifer Purdy
Executive Director for VA Patient Experience, US Department of Veterans Affairs
Jennifer Purdy began her professional career 29 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Director for VA Patient Experience of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Is a Washington-based federal cabinet-level agency that provides life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans. Purdy is living her mission to improve the veteran experience. With more than 28 years of demonstrated success working in the healthcare industry, she is highly skilled in the full patient experience, employee engagement, performance improvement, team building, whole health engagement, motivational interviewing, and public speaking.
Purdy first got her start in 1994 as a licensed clinical social worker at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. From there, she went on to Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System, before eventually rising to assistant director for Outpatient Services, her most recent position prior to joining the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Purdy graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with an MA and an undergraduate degree in social work.
43. Crystal Gates
Executive Director, North Little Rock Public Library System
Crystal R. Gates is a dynamic library professional with a rich history of transformative leadership. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the North Little Rock Public Library System. Crystal has revitalized library services, fostered positive work cultures, and cultivated impactful community partnerships. Under her leadership, the library achieved substantial financial growth, increased library usage, hosted distinguished events, and established innovative programs such as a Seed Library, Library of Things, and a Studio for creatives, makers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Education-wise, Crystal holds an MLIS from Louisiana State University and an MA in history from Louisiana Tech University, complemented by additional studies in adult education. Active in professional and civic service, she has held leadership roles in Lions Clubs International and served as the president of the Arkansas Library Association. As the President of the Southeastern Library Association and Chapter Councilor for the American Library Association, Crystal has advocated for libraries at the state and national levels, influencing positive change. In her personal time, she also serves as Alumnae Chapter President for the Alpha Omicron Pi Little Rock Area Alumnae Chapter and as Vice-President for the Greater Little Rock Alumnae Panhellenic.
Crystal is known for her collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and dedication to lifelong learning. Her passion for community service is evident and she is poised to bring her dynamic leadership and community-focused approach to further elevate libraries and library leaders.
44. Kim Kinkade
Executive Director of Operations, TTEC
Kim Kinkade began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Director of Operations of TTEC. TTEC is a global customer experience company that designs, builds, and operates captivating omnichannel customer experiences on behalf of the world’s most innovative brands. They provide outcome-based customer engagement solutions through TTEC Digital which delivers consulting and technology services, and TTEC Engage which operates customer care, growth, and trust and safety services. Founded in 1982, the company helps its clients acquire, retain, grow, and protect profitable customer relationships. TTEC partners with business leadership across marketing, sales, and customer care to design and deliver a simple, more human customer experience across every interaction channel. TTEC's 49,500 employees live by a set of customer-focused values that guide relationships with clients, their customers, and each other.
Kinkade first got her start in 2003 as an employment coordinator II at St. Bernard's Healthcare. From there, she went on to Baptist Health, before eventually rising to human resources manager at StarTek, her most recent position prior to joining TTEC. Kinkade graduated from Arkansas State University with an undergraduate degree in business.
45. Kathleen Myers
Director of Special Education, Assistant Professor of Teaching and Educational Leadership, Arkansas Tech University
Dr. Kathleen Myers is the Director of Special Education at Arkansas Tech University. In this role, she provides support, leadership, and advising for students and faculty. Dr. Myers also serves as an Assistant Professor of Teaching and Educational Leadership. She primarily works with pre-service educators and is fortunate to teach in the following undergraduate and graduate programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. She primarily teaches courses that have a focus on diversity and inclusion. Dr. Myers serves as a professional speaker at events that focus on training for teachers.
Dr. Myers is currently working with Ray of Hope Academy in Cameroon, Africa. She facilitates Arkansas Tech University students in developing lesson plans that are universal and can be accessed in a low-income school. Dr. Myers has multiple publications with a primary focus on English Language Learners. Her areas of expertise include diversity & inclusion, special education, English language learners, universal design for learning, differentiation, and hands-on training
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a public university located in Russellville, Arkansas. It has more than 10,000 students. It is the number one university for Arkansans studying STEM and ranked the number one college for upward social mobility in Arkansas. Arkansas Tech University has alumni working in more than 35 countries around the world.
Dr. Myers’ interests include photography, soap-making, dogs, charcuterie designs, hiking, college football, and spending time with her two beautiful daughters, Brooke and Aubrey Claire Myers.
46. Stacey Harral
Senior Resident Director, Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Stacey Harral is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Merrill Lynch is a wealth management firm that specializes in offering retirement planning, eldercare, philanthropy, and estate planning services. She began her financial services career in 1997 and joined Merrill in 2006. Today, she is the founder of The Harral Group.
Harral also takes great pride in serving as the Senior Resident Director of the Jonesboro office. Her tenure in the industry has shown her that successful, long-term client relationships are dependent on exemplary service, which is why proactive client communication, timely responsiveness, precision, teamwork, and accuracy are at the heart of her team's culture. Most gratifying to Harral is the relationships she has developed with clients – many of whom she considers close friends. Serving as their financial advisor has given Harral the opportunity to help enhance their lifestyles, their retirement years, and the legacies they leave to family members and favorite causes. As a dedicated source of continuity for multiple generations of families, she is there for clients through major life events, triumphs, and transitions.
Harral believes that wealth management is more than providing investment advice. It's about standing alongside clients and helping to discern their past, present, and future so she and her team can better address their goals and needs. A hallmark of her approach is to help clients filter out near-term volatility and noise related to uncontrollable market events while keeping an eye on long-term trends and investment goals. Harral earned an undergraduate degree in public relations/business from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and a master's degree in business communications from the University of Arkansas Little Rock.
47. Sarah Smith
Director of Nursing, Independent Living Services
Sarah Smith is a Director of Nursing for a non-profit organization that helps adults with disabilities live independently. She has always found joy in helping people. She found her love for helping others in kindergarten when she learned about the Rice Bowls Foundation.
She continued this journey when in 7th grade she advocated for students with learning disabilities and got the school board to implement mandatory testing and help for all students who began to fall behind. She claims this taught her “the power of one person”.
She became vice president of the organization in 2012 which helped globally and locally to connect people with HIV/AIDS education and treatment. Her group expanded this in the community by helping elderly people pay for prescription medications and offering free HIV/AIDS testing in the community.
From there, she has independently connected people with resources, supported people through child custody cases, and assisted people looking for an education with grants and scholarships available. She is now in the process of starting her second master's degree in nursing and is currently volunteering in the city attorney’s office. She received her first degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in psychology with minors in communication and English. While she worked in special education, she concurrently obtained an MBA from West Texas A&M. In 2021, she obtained her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas.
She became a nurse at the beginning of the pandemic and volunteered to work extra hours. She made it a point to make sure people did not feel alone when they could not have a family visit. She especially loved bedside nursing. She began working in different areas of the hospital because of her love for learning. In her spare time, she paints and has had artwork published in Gravel Magazine. She also loves to cook and makes plates on the holidays free to people in her community. She enjoys art, cooking, and volunteering in her free time, along with her two sons.
48. Nicole Mendoza Shoblom
Director of Data Science, Addium
Nicole Shoblom’s data science journey began 12 years ago when she entered her PhD program in Statistics and Applied Mathematics. Today, she is the Director of Data Science and Product Development at Addium. Addium is the leading ag-tech company, with a robust expertise spanning science, sensors, and software. They are dedicated to delivering end-to-end ag-tech and food safety solutions, utilizing their deep understanding of horticulture and moisture operation tools.
Prior to Addium, Shoblom got her break into a leadership role at Riverbed Technology. Since then she has been perfecting her ability to support talented data scientists and engineers to produce solutions that drive value for customers. She also has many years of experience as an IC data scientist notably at Walmart where she developed both product and business intelligence solutions for supply chain and e-commerce. Shoblom completed her PhD from UC Santa Cruz in 2018 and brings a unique perspective to her data science work as she also holds an undergraduate degree in women’s studies and political science from UC Santa Barbara.
49. Sina Saunders
Director, HR Business Partner, Strategic Education, Inc.
Sina Saunders is the Director of HR Business Partner at Strategic Education, Inc. She first joined the company in 2019. Strayer Education is a Virginia-based educational management organization that improves college affordability, engagement, and workforce readiness for students. Saunders is a results-focused human resources professional with 20 years of experience in management, coaching, talent development, and organizational effectiveness. She has strong cross-functional partnership skills with demonstrated strength in understanding the needs of the function and executing against business objectives. She is a proactive leader with strengths in communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. She is a creative thinker, problem solver, and decision maker, as well as culturally savvy, agile, and comfortable with ambiguity. She is highly adept at managing concurrent objectives to promote efficiency, influence positive outcomes, and attain goals.
Previously, Saunders was a manager and HR business partner at Capella University and before that an HR manager at Macy's. Saunders earned an undergraduate degree in business, management, marketing, and related support services from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
50. Katie Austin
Director, HR Business Partner, Sharecare
Katie Austin began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is the Director and HR Business Partner at Sharecare. Sharecare is a digital health company that helps people manage all of their health in one place. The Sharecare platform provides each person – no matter where they are in their health journey – with a comprehensive and personalized health profile, where they can dynamically and easily connect to the information, evidence-based programs, and health professionals they need to live their healthiest, happiest, and most productive life.
Austin first got her start in 2008 as a human resources at Tennessee Bun Company. From there, she went on to Windsor Health Plan, before eventually rising to AVP in benefits administrator at Centennial Bank, her most recent position prior to joining Sharecare. Austin graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with an undergraduate degree in public relations.