Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to introduce its list of Influencers for 2024, those who inspire us all to reach higher, achieve more and improve things in our communities. Within this list, find leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and public-service spaces — people who provide jobs, feed the state’s economy and provide a hand up to those who need it.
The individuals on this list were handpicked by a blue ribbon panel, who culled hundreds of nominations down to the final listing. They represent not only the best of what they do, but the present and future leaders of our state, who work for the good of us all. As the state’s leading publication focused on the business, community and policy, AMP is proud to shine a bright spotlight on these outstanding achievers and their accomplishments.
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Kelley Bass
CEO
Museum of Discovery
Kelley Bass serves as CEO at the Museum of Discovery, Arkansas’ premier family museum and the oldest museum in Little Rock. He leads a staff of 31 full-time and 25 part-time employees and is responsible for all operations at the museum. The Museum of Discovery was named Nonprofit Organization of the Year at the Arkansas Business of the Year Awards in 2014, and in 2016, Bass was named Nonprofit Executive of the Year in the same competition. During Bass’ tenure, the Museum of Discovery has had its most successful years in its 96-year history in terms of both attendance and financial performance. Museum attendance in 2023 was the highest ever at an estimated 190,000 people, 15 percent above the previous record set in 2012. Before coming to the museum in December 2012, he served as assistant dean for external affairs for the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he managed corporate relations and fundraising. Previously, Bass spent nine years as senior vice president of corporate communications for Acxiom, where he supported the executive team in all internal and external communications. Before joining Acxiom in 1999, he spent 18 years in the newspaper business as an award-winning reporter, columnist and editor at the Arkansas Gazette, the Springfield News-Leader and the Arkansas Times.
