Jacob Jones is a Hope native (Hope High School Class of 1999), a Southern Arkansas University alumnus (2004), and a graduate from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (2021). He is the Market President for Farmers Bank & Trust, where he has worked since 2016. In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Hope and Prescott branches and the commercial lending department. He also represents Farmers Bank in its interactions with the community. Jacob generously donates his time and energy to many local groups and organizations, serving as a past president of Hope Kiwanis Club, Vice Chair of the Hempstead County Library Board, Board Member of Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Treasurer of Hope/Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, UAHT Board of Visitors, and an active member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Jacob’s inspiration comes from his family: his wife, Jordan, his children, Jenna and Jett, and his parents. He said that after watching his parents remain active in the community and school system, he feels it is his turn. “This is home for me,” Jones said. “I am blessed with the opportunity to work and give back to the same community I was raised in, the community I’m now raising my family in. The people I work with at the bank, the people in my civics clubs, and the people I grew up with—we’re all in this together. Whether representing Farmers Bank & Trust or acting on behalf of an organization, Jacob strives to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.”
Daniel Clements is the warehouse manager for Brentwood Industries here in Hope where he has been employed for the past 3 years. Previously, Daniel worked for Brown and Root at the Albemarle Plants in Magnolia for over 17 years in various roles including plant maintenance, warehouse supervisor, and site manager. He is a Marine Corps veteran and is proud to have had that opportunity to serve his country. Born in Hope, and a graduate of Nevada High School, Daniel has been integrally tied to this community for his whole life. Commitment to training, career development, lean manufacturing and 5S have been a major focus of his career. Married, and the father of 4 boys, faith, family, and community are cornerstones of his character. Daniel is excited to join the HCEDC and looks forward to serving the people of Hempstead County.
Dr. Jonathan Crossley is the Superintendent of Hope Public Schools, where his leadership has driven transformational change rooted in academic excellence, workforce readiness, and postsecondary opportunity. A passionate advocate for historically underserved communities, Dr. Crossley has reimagined what public education can be—building systems that not only raise achievement but expand the definition of success for every student. Under his guidance, Hope launched a groundbreaking districtwide workforce development program, placing high school students in paid internships across the local community and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. His leadership has also resulted in more than $20 million in secured grants—supporting advanced STEM education, teacher recruitment and retention, and the launch of Arkansas’s first fully districtwide federal magnet program.
In May 2025, Hope Public Schools established its first-ever education foundation, dedicated to helping students earn bachelor’s degrees and industry-recognized credentials. The impact has been tangible and wide-reaching. Hope now leads the state in students earning Associate of Arts (AA) degrees while still in high school. The number of students obtaining skilled trade certifications has quadrupled, and early literacy outcomes have improved dramatically boosting elementary reading scores by 13% and helping one school move from an “F” to a “C” rating in just two years. Pre-K enrollment increased by 40%, driven by targeted family support and community outreach. Before taking the helm in Hope, Dr. Crossley served as Assistant Superintendent in the Pine Bluff School District and as principal of Baseline Academy in Little Rock. His leadership also extends beyond the K–12 setting.
He served as vice chairman of the board for the Excel Center at Goodwill—Arkansas’s first adult high school—and was a Cambiar Education Systems-Level Leader Fellow, focusing on systemwide educational transformation. Dr. Crossley’s journey began in the classroom, where he was honored as the 2014 Arkansas Teacher of the Year at Palestine-Wheatley High School. His students earned the most improved literacy scores in the state, and his teaching was nationally recognized through awards such as the Fishman Prize National Honor Roll, the Lowell Milken Unsung Hero Fellowship, and as a regional finalist for the White House Fellowship. He was named to Arkansas Business’s “20 in Their 20s” list and honored by Arkansas Life magazine as one of its “Arkansans of the Year.” His work was featured in the national documentary Teach Us All, which explores equity and excellence in American education. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Crossley holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and earned his M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University. He remains driven by a core belief: that public education is the most powerful tool we have to change life trajectories—and that every child, no matter their zip code, deserves access to a future full of purpose, dignity, and opportunity.
Brian Moorhead is a resident of Hope, Arkansas. Originally from Mississippi, he relocated to Arkansas in 2011 to begin his career with New Millennium. Since April 2011, Brian has served as the Finance Manager at New Millennium, where he plays a key role in overseeing financial operations and supporting the company’s continued growth.
Brian earned his undergraduate degree from Delta State University and later completed his MBA at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS). He is a proud father to one daughter and grandfather to two granddaughters, and he enjoys spending time with his family in the community he now calls home.
Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Hope-Texarkana, is a proven leader in higher education who believes in people and works to see that those around him are equipped to succeed. He is a strong advocate for student success and has a long track record of responding to student and community needs through innovative ideas, programs, and partnerships. With almost 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Tompkins works to empower students, faculty, and staff to strive for excellence and exceed expectations.
Previously as Vice President for Technical Education and Workforce Development at North Arkansas College, he provided visionary leadership and strategic direction for technical programs, workforce development, Adult Education, and the Northark Technical Center. Dr. Tompkins has also served as the Director of the Center for Student Success for Arkansas Community Colleges, Vice President for Learning and Chief Academic Officer at Northwest Arkansas Community College and Director of the Institute for Corporate and Public Safety, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security training program focusing on community preparedness and planning, public and private partnerships, and response to crisis events.
Dr. Tompkins holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Master of Liberal Arts from Henderson State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from East Texas Baptist University. He has taught on the college and university level, published in academic and professional journals, and keynoted and presented at higher education meetings and conferences across the United States. He was a 2007 and 2009 Bellwether Award Finalist for Community College Innovation, graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College, and completed Arkansas Leader, a Command School sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Justice Institute of the University of Arkansas System.
Dennis Ramsey has served on the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana UAHT Foundation Board Treasurer, UAHT Board of Visitors, since December 14, 2007. Dennis Ramsey of Hope, Arkansas is a 1966 Graduate of Hope High School and a 1971 graduate Ouachita Baptist University. He was elected to serve on the Hope City Board of Directors in 1978, elected Vice Mayor in 1985 and 1986, and Mayor in 1987 and 1988. He was elected and has served as Mayor since January 1993. He has worked for the city or been a member of its Board of Directors for the past 38 of 44 years, having worked for every department, except the police department. Bank experience over 30 years, Served as President of citizens National Bank of Hope. He serves on Various Boards and Commissions, SW Arkansas Water District, Hempstead Economic Development, President Rainbow of Challenges School of Hope, President Omega Homes of Hope (Developmentally Disabled), Hope Advertising and Tourism Commission, Arkansas Outdoor Recreational Grants Committee, District Treasure- Southwest District, United Methodist Church Married, 2 children, and 3 grandchildren.
Mayor Don Still has served on the Hope City Board since 1992 and was appointed Mayor on January 5, 2021. In addition to his duties as Mayor, Mr. Still serves on the Hope Street Committee. Mayor Still is the retired co-owner of Still’s Automotive Service in Hope.