LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives
(AEDCE) announced its 2027 Board of Directors following the association’s Annual
Meeting held August 25 during its 10th Annual Conference, Business in the ’Boro, in
Jonesboro.
The 2027 Board brings together chamber and economic development professionals
from across Arkansas who will help guide the association’s work to support, connect
and strengthen the professionals leading economic and community development efforts
throughout the state.
Newly elected directors include Dani Pugsley, Ed.D., PCED, IOM, Mountain Home
Chamber of Commerce, representing the 1st Congressional District; Jarod Wickliffe,
Little Rock Regional Chamber, representing the 2nd Congressional District; Sara Lynn
Geiger, Rogers Lowell Chamber, representing the 3rd Congressional District; and
Steven Jones, El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, representing the 4th
Congressional District.
Venesha Sasser, Lafayette County Chamber and EDC, and Darryl Treat, Greater
Searcy County Chamber of Commerce were elected to serve as at-large directors.
Anna Lee Powell, PCED, of the Hempstead County Economic Development
Corporation will join the executive committee as secretary/treasurer.
“Strong communities and a strong Arkansas economy depend on leaders who are
willing to share their expertise, collaborate across regions and work together toward
opportunities that benefit our entire state,” said Candice Lawrence, executive director of
AEDCE. “The professionals serving on our board understand firsthand the opportunities
and challenges facing Arkansas communities. I am grateful for their willingness to invest
their time and leadership in AEDCE and in the professionals we serve.”
Leading the 2027 Board will be Allison Hestand, PCED, CCE, of the Paragould
Regional Chamber/Economic Development Corp. of Paragould as president; Dr. Megan
Selman, Russellville Chamber of Commerce, as first vice president; Leo Cummings III,
PCED, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, as second vice president; and Anna Lee
Powell, PCED, Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, as
secretary/treasurer.
Returning directors include Tara Cathey, Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce; Mark
Goodman, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce; and Jennifer Kline, Pine Bluff Regional
Chamber of Commerce.
Ex-officio members of the Board are Randy Zook, Arkansas State Chamber of
Commerce/AIA; Clint O’Neal, CEcD, Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
Gary Troutman, CCE, IOM, State Director for the Southern Economic Development
Council; and Julie Allen, PCED, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, who will serve
as immediate past president. Candice Lawrence, Arkansas State Chamber of
Commerce/AIA, serves as AEDCE executive secretary/director.
The newly elected officers and directors will begin their terms January 1, 2027.
About AEDCE
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the state’s
professional association for economic developers and chamber of commerce
executives. AEDCE provides professional development, networking, education and
resources to strengthen the professionals and organizations working to advance
economic and community development throughout Arkansas.