AEDCE names board members, officers

The membership of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives recently elected its board of directors with terms beginning Jan. 1 and running through Dec. 31, 2022.

The board members are Julie Allen, Professional Community and Economic Developer, of Newport, Amy Williams, PCED, of Cabot, Julie Murray, PCED, of Van Buren, Ellie Baker, PCED, of Magnolia, Bill Luther, PCED, of El Dorado, Graycen Bigger, of Pocahontas, and Corey Parks, of Conway.

Allen is the director of chamber affairs for the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board representing the 1st Congressional District.

Williams is the president and CEO of the Cabot Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board representing the 2nd Congressional District.

Murray is the president and CEO of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce. She joins the board representing the 3rd Congressional District.

Baker is the director of economic development for the city of Magnolia. She joins the board representing the 4th Congressional District.

Luther is the president and CEO of the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce. He joins the board representing the 4th Congressional District.

Bigger is the executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority and AVP of Community Development for Farmers and Merchants Bank. She joins the board as an at-large member.

Parks is the vice president of economic development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation. He joins the board as an at-large member.

The officers of the board of directors for 2021 will be President J.D. Lowery of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas; First Vice President Mallory Darby of the city of West Memphis; Second Vice President Nancy Lee McNew with the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County; and Secretary/Treasurer Gary Troutman with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership/Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Katherine Holmstrom, senior project manager for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will complete her term as board president at the end of 2020 but will remain on the board as immediate past president and an officer through 2021.

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