What does it mean to be an icon? Merriam-Webster defines the word as “a person or thing widely admired, especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere.” Each year, Arkansas Money & Politics is tasked with identifying the state’s “Future Icons,” those who are gaining renown in politics, business and other aspects of the cultural landscape.
Some honorees are C-suite executives and established business owners, while others are just beginning to leave their mark on the world, and still others may be pursuing a second career. They come from all backgrounds, industries and walks of life, but the common thread uniting all of them is potential. These are people from whom Arkansas expects great things and to whom great honors are due.
AMP is proud to highlight those set to play a significant role in the future of the state. Congratulations to all our “Future Icons.”
Abby Adkins, First Community Bank
Erica Akel, Akel’s Carpet One Floor & Home
Stuart Allen, NativState
Jonathan Alvarado, MD Hair Labs & Vitality
Chris Arnold, Hope, O’Dwyer, Wilson & Arnold
Ajit Baridun, Hytrol
J. Camilo Barreto, M.D., FACS, CARTI
Dr. J. Camilo Barreto is a fellowship-trained complex surgical oncologist who cares for patients at CARTI Cancer Center and CARTI Surgery Center in Little Rock. With extensive expertise in cancers of the digestive tract, skin and soft tissues, Barreto is dedicated to creating individualized surgical plans through a collaborative, team-based approach. He works closely with CARTI’s multidisciplinary team to help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Prior to joining CARTI in 2021, Barreto served as an associate professor of surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He completed his medical degree in Mexico City, followed by surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery fellowships at the University of Chicago Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society of Surgical Oncology.
Drew Beasley, M.D., OrthoArkansas
Keaton Beasley, Simmons Bank
Alex Blass, CPM, Blue Ribbon Industries
Alex Blass is president of Blue Ribbon Industries, a landscape, maintenance, lawn, pool services and roll-off dumpster rental company in Rogers. He manages more than 150 employees across the company’s multiple divisions. He previously served as executive broker, vice president of operations and principal at Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners in northwest Arkansas; as owner of Rodden Landscape in Bentonville; as partner/executive Certified Property Manager at Sage Asset Solutions; and as director of operations at Apollo Event Group in Fayetteville. Blass graduated in 2010 with a business degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
James D. Bornhoft, James Bornhoft Law
James D. Bornhoft, founder of Bornhoft Law in Little Rock, is an experienced trial attorney who has conducted more than 70 jury trials in his career and has spent more than 10,000 hours inside the courtroom. Prior to founding Bornhoft Law, he worked as a deputy district attorney, rising quickly through the ranks to become the sole human trafficking prosecutor and a member of the special victims unit in the largest judicial district in the state of Colorado at the time. While at the district attorney’s office, he handled serious felony prosecutions such as murder, pimping, pimping of a child, human trafficking, sexual assault, child abuse and crimes falling under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. He worked extensively with various organizations, such as the Innocence Lost Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Drug Enforcement Administration, high-risk multidisciplinary teams and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Allie Brown, Arkansas Air Flow
From a career in newsrooms to leading operations at one of Arkansas’ fastest-growing heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies, Allie Brown, commercial project coordinator and director of marketing at Arkansas Air Flow in Jacksonville exemplifies what it means to turn passion into purpose. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Brown began her professional journey in broadcast journalism — reporting, producing, and ultimately earning both a regional Emmy and the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in journalism. Her drive to communicate and connect did not stop with the news; it evolved into a mission to make a tangible impact on her community.
After a successful turn in public relations and grassroots outreach, Brown answered a deeper call — to return home and help continue building her family’s company, Arkansas Air Flow. What began as a marketing role quickly expanded into full-scale operational leadership. Today, she oversees all aspects of the business, from commercial construction and service operations to strategic growth and workforce development.
Amy Clemmons Brown, McMullan & Brown
Courtney Bryant, University of Central Arkansas
Courtney Bryant serves as the associate vice president for enrollment management and director of UCA Commitment at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. A native Arkansan and first-generation college student, she is dedicated to serving her community by connecting students with purposeful pathways to higher education. Bryant earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and completed her Ph.D. at UCA, where her research focused on the development of millennial leaders. With more than 17 years of experience in higher education, Bryant has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic policies and student-centered programs that have strengthened enrollment and broadened the university’s reach. In addition to her responsibilities as associate vice president, she leads UCA Commitment, an institutional initiative that offers last-dollar funding and personalized support to help remove financial barriers to college completion. During its first year, her leadership contributed to a 26 percent increase in freshman enrollment.
Leo Castillo, Nabholz Construction Corp.
Leo Castillo joined Nabholz as an intern in 2018. Since then, he has graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs with a Bachelor of Science in construction management and become a valuable member of the Nabholz team as a senior preconstruction specialist. Despite his recent entrance to the industry, Castillo has played a vital role in the construction of cornerstone projects such as the University of Arkansas’ Anthony Timberlands Center in Fayetteville and the expansion of Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale. He also serves as an interpreter and equipment tech at Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. in northwest Arkansas.
Clint Cates, Signature Bank of Arkansas
Clint Cates is a treasury services specialist for Signature Bank of Arkansas, which is based in Fayetteville. He joined the Signature team in 2020. Founded in 2005, Signature Bank provides a full line of financial services to small businesses, families and farms. The bank has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Brinkley and Rogers. In the treasury services department, Cates carries on the bank’s well-known, personalized approach to customer service and dedication to the traditions of community banking.
Zac Cerrato, Evo Business Environments
Zac Cerrato is a co-owner and director of business development at Evo Business Environments, a commercial furniture dealership and architectural solutions provider based in Little Rock. Evo represents premium brands such as MillerKnoll, OFS, DIRTT, and Tate. Cerrato works closely with architects, designers, and clients across Arkansas to create high-performing workspaces. Born and raised in Little Rock, Cerrato helped co-found Evo in 2013 as part of a five-person team that included his father, Chris Cerrato, and his brother, Casey Cerrato. At Evo, Zac Cerrato leads sales and marketing strategy and oversees project lifecycles from early concept to final install. His role includes managing key accounts, guiding interior design collaboration, and supporting the firm’s growth in modular construction and workplace strategy. Cerrato is also active in the local design and business community. He serves as chair of the Architecture and Design Network and is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL. He and Evo were recognized in 2025 by the Little Rock Regional Chamber with a Small Business Impact Award.
Shelby Chambliss, FoxDen Capital
Shelby Chambliss is a creative force and strategic thinker shaping some of Arkansas’ most recognized brands. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles with a degree in visual communications, Chambliss brings a dynamic blend of design sensibility, hospitality insight and marketing ex-pertise to her role as marketing and brand director at FoxDen Capital in Little Rock. Her career has taken her through hospitality roles in Orlando, Los Angeles and San Antonio and includes past leadership at Ropeswing Hospitality Group and the AM Group, both in northwest Arkansas. A former e-commerce boutique owner herself, she understands the entrepreneurship mindset, brand development and business growth from every angle. Today, she leads marketing efforts for brands that include The Purple Cow Restaurant, Beyond Wellness, Leiva’s Coffee, U.S. Pizza Co. and more. Known for her love of process, coordination, customer experience and big-picture strategy, Chambliss is undoubtedly one to watch in the future of creative leadership.
Leon Chills, Screenwriter
Brantley Clark, BPC Construction/Primo Operations
Reagan Cody, BSN, RN, Beyond Wellness
Reagan Cody brings a compassionate approach and a wealth of clinical experience to her role as an aesthetic injector at Beyond Wellness, which she joined in late 2024. With nearly four years of aesthetic injection experience and a strong foundation in nursing, Cody firmly believes in listening, educating and empowering her patients to protect and restore their natural beauty. Specializing in a range of areas, including aesthetic injectables, laser therapies, body contouring, microneedling, radio frequency microneedling and hair restoration. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began her career in a step-down ICU unit at Baptist Health, where she gained valuable critical care experience. Over the next several years, she continued to expand her skill set, spending five years at an outpatient gastrointestinal surgery center, working as a circulator registered nurse in a urology operating room and assisting an oculofacial plastic surgeon in surgery for two years. She is currently pursuing her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner, driven by her passion for learning and providing exceptional patient care. Her clinical background paired with her eye for aesthetics makes her a trusted provider for patients seeking natural, confidence-boosting results.
Christian Crain, Crain Automotive
Christian Crain is shaping the future of Arkansas’ automotive industry. He took over as chief operating officer at Crain Automotive and its 16 dealerships in 2023 after the death of his grandfather. Amid family turmoil, he normalized operations and led a 62 percent increase in revenue from 2023 to 2024 to nearly $1.5 billion. Crain’s leadership has earned him statewide and national recognition, including a featured interview on the industry-setting Car Dealership Guy podcast this spring. He graduated from Little Rock Christian Academy in 2017 and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2021. He is chair of the Larry and Janett Crain Foundation and is involved with organizations that include Children’s Protection Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The fourth-generation leader of the Crain Team, Crain’s management approach is a blend of humility, servant leadership and learning something new every day.
John C. Davis, University of Arkansas
Will Davis, David’s Burgers
Bo Diamond, Caisson Capital Partners
Nicole Dickie, Peak State Recovery Center
Wynesia A. “Nesia” Dotson, MBA, CDE, First Orion
Nesia Dotson is the Associate Director of Product Marketing at First Orion, where she leads go-to-market strategies, messaging, and positioning for cutting-edge communication solutions. With over 18 years of diverse experience, she blends deep expertise in telecom, operations, and leadership to drive initiatives that resonate with customers and deliver business impact.
Nesia began her career in the telecom industry, working for Alltel Communications and Verizon Wireless where she honed her skills in customer experience, employee development, and leadership support—earning accolades such as the Verizon Coins of Excellence. At First Orion, she has not only led successful product marketing strategies but also managed their Technical Apprenticeship, initiated their leadership development program and served as a trusted advisor on inclusion, launching the company’s initial program recognized by Arkansas’ Best Places to Work in 2022.
Nesia holds a B.S. in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is certified by the Product Marketing Alliance, Institute for Diversity Certification and Birkman. Passionate about empowering others, she shares weekly insights on leadership and personal growth across social media.
Tom Dunlap, Bass Concrete
As Bass Concrete’s vice president, Tom Dunlap has dedicated his career to growing the company’s Arkansas communities one project at a time. He is a key part of Bass’ leadership team — responsible for business development, estimating and operations — and most recently helped lead the company’s integration with Nabholz Construction Corp. at the beginning of 2025. His expert guidance on business decisions and project endeavors has helped clients — and Bass — form strong foundations that will support growth for generations to come.
Katie Beth Evans, Salon J’adore
Katie Beth Evans is owner of Salon J’adore in Little Rock. She grew up wanting to be a stylist and own a salon. After graduating high school, she attended Regency Beauty Institute and graduated with honors. She was behind the chair for 13 years. Her time is now geared toward training her staff to a specific level of excellence that clients have come to expect from Salon J’adore. One of her most favorite memories is participating as a hair stylist to the stars and models at Los Angeles Fashion Week. A few other favorite memories are doing hair for the Miss Arkansas pageant and placing top three in five of the eight hair shows she has participated in, as well as countless weddings and special events.
Jonathan Foster, Xpress Boats
Everett Gaither, North Little Rock Tourism
Currently serving as North Little Rock Tourism’s senior marketing director, Everett Gaither has spent the last five years promoting the city of North Little Rock to visitors and tourists. With a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and nearly a decade of marketing and public relations experience, Gaither balances making connections within his community and marketing them to natural state tourists. He has an extensive background in nonprofit public relations, which he gained during an early career venture in Wyoming. Gaither blends creativity with collaboration in his role as a senior marketing director and relishes the opportunity to meet new people interested in a city he loves.
Lane Gammel, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Eden Garrett, Eden’s Flower Truck/Eden’s Botanicals
Michelle Gilbert, CareLink
Michelle Gilbert is vice president of development at CareLink, where she leads fundraising, communications and brand strategy for one of Central Arkansas’ most impactful nonprofits. Her work drives visibility and fuels essential services such as Meals on Wheels and in-home care for older adults. With more than a decade of nonprofit experience, Gilbert has shaped the voice of mission-driven organizations and driven record-breaking revenue. Before rejoining CareLink in her current role, she had leadership positions with the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. A Leadership Greater Little Rock graduate, Gilbert also has an Master of Business Administration from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. She is known for blending strategy with storytelling and for connecting people with causes they care about and outcomes that truly matter.
Myranda Grulke, Grulke Construction
Alyssa Hagewood, Southern Interiors
Alyssa Hagewood is the sales and marketing manager at Southern Interiors in Sherwood. The daughter of owners Donna and Brian Hagewood, she is following in her parents’ footsteps. Now celebrating 25 years in business, Southern Interiors has become a a destination for all one’s home improvement and renovation needs. Hagewood and the team at Southern relish the opportunity to walk with clients through every step of a renovation to meet clients’ performance needs, design wishes and budget.
Trent Hanna, SSI of Northwest Arkansas
Elizabeth Heaggans, Pine & River Aesthetics
Bradley Heird, Baptist Health
Tyler Henderson, American Concrete Concepts
Billy Henry, Conway Regional Health System
Billy Henry serves as the corporate director of the physician enterprise at Conway Regional Health System, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of a growing network of ambula-tory clinics, including both primary care and specialty care locations. His leadership spans across multiple communities in Arkansas including Conway, Russellville, Dardanelle, Clinton, Greenbrier, Vilonia and Mayflower. With more than 15 years of experience in clinic operations, Henry has established himself as a trusted and visionary health care leader. He is known for developing high-performing teams, fostering strong physician partnerships and driving operational excellence across the continuum of outpatient care. His efforts are focused on improving patient access, enhancing the quality of care, and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of the communities Conway Regional serves. He has a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. In addition to his professional work, he is an active member of his community and serves on the board of directors for the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce.
Derrick Henry, M.D., OrthoArkansas
Max Hicks, P.E., McClelland Consulting Engineers
Max Hicks is a licensed professional engineer in Arkansas and serves as a project manager at McClelland Consulting Engineers Inc., where he specializes in water and wastewater engineering. A 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Max began his career with MCE as an intern in the water/wastewater division, gaining hands-on experience throughout his career. With over four years of postgraduate experience, he has contributed to the design and implementation of water and sewer lines, sewer lift stations, and wastewater treatment plant improvements across Arkansas. He brings strong technical expertise in hydraulic modeling, rate studies, and helping municipal systems identify infrastructure deficiencies and plan for future improvements. His technical expertise and collaborative approach have made him a valuable asset to both clients and colleagues. Hicks values continuing education and is actively involved in the professional community. He currently serves as the credit hour chair for the Arkansas Water Young Professionals Network and served as the YP Chair for the Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association in 2025 with the goal of supporting the growth and engagement of emerging professionals in the industry. Outside of his professional work, he is an active member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church. He occasionally shares his musical talents at church and also performs at local community events. Hicks and his wife, Andrea, are eagerly preparing to welcome their first child, a baby girl named Addison, expected in August.
Aaron Hilton, Lawrence Healthcare
Colby Hoagland, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners
Colby Hoagland serves as an associate at Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners, where he has been instrumental in shaping Arkansas’ commercial real estate landscape since relocating from Denver in 2020. He has closed over 1 million square feet in sales and leasing transactions across more than 35 cities statewide. He specializes in industrial, land and investment sales, representing clients such as U.S. Bank, Deloitte, Prudential Financial, Sunbelt Rentals and Realty Income. Before joining Sage, Hoagland worked at Cushman & Wakefield’s Denver office in the debt and equity division, contributing to more than $200 million in client financing. A graduate of Harding University in Searcy with a degree in business management, Hoagland blends financial acumen with market insight to deliver strategic results. He is also deeply engaged in community and professional organizations, including the National Western Stock Show, American Enterprise Institute, Workmatters Institute and Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock. In 2023, he earned CoStar’s Top Retail and Office Lease honors in Little Rock.
Hillary Hornor, Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center
Hillary Hornor serves as the director of youth education at Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center, a role she has passionately served for four years. A native of Arkansas County, Hornor grew up across the street from Five Oaks Duck Lodge and graduated from Stuttgart High School. She then furthered her education at Southern Methodist University in Texas where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She started her career teaching elementary school and special education for six years, and in 2020, after her father, George Dunklin, founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center, she joined the team. Hornor has since developed several engaging programs, including a field trip for elementary school students titled “Where is Mike Mallard?” The hands-on learning adventure integrates a conservation education curriculum aligned to grade-level standards that focuses on collaboration, critical thinking and communication as teams work together to find Mike Mallard.
Caleb Ingram, Iron-Vac
Daveante Jones, Wright Lindsey Jennings
Daveante Jones is a partner at the Little Rock law firm of Wright Lindsey Jennings. He focuses on employment law and helps employers navigate day-to-day issues related to hiring, discipline and termination, employee pay, leaves and accommodations, cultivating an inclusive workplace, and conducting employee and management training. Support provided by Jones also includes handling all aspects of litigation, assisting with internal and state/federal agency investigations, drafting workplace policies and employment agreements, and writing and speaking about the latest legal trends, ranging from the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act to wage and hour issues to trade secrets to surveillance in the workplace. In addition to helping with workforce needs, Jones defends employers against premises liability claims brought by customers, patrons and other business invitees.
Jacob Jones, Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry
Jacob Jones is a co-owner of Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry, a diamond and fine jewelry retailer rooted in nearly 40 years of service. The jewelry aficionado graduated from the Gemological Institute of America in 1997. At age 19, he was the youngest gemologist graduate of the program at the time.. He has spent his career giving back to his loyal clients and community. Jones & Son is a major sponsor for the Miss Arkansas pageant and is ranked first nationally in fundraising. The Miss Arkansas pageant is one of the many organizations the company supports. Combining a love for philanthropy and business, Jones’ 28 years in the industry have impacted his local community in more ways than one.
Walker Jones, Cadence Bank
William Jones IV, Sissy’s Log Cabin
Ali Karr, P.E., CFM, Crafton Tull
Ali Karr, is a vice president in the infrastructure division at Crafton Tull. She is based in the Rogers office, where she leads a design team that focuses on commercial, multifamily and single-family projects in the area. She specializes in hydrologic and hydraulic studies for large drainage basins and floodplains. Karr graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering. She is a member of the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association and the Crafton Tull Employee Stock Ownership Plan Committee. Karr was recognized in 2024 by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers as its Young Engineer of the Year. Her favorite part of being an engineer is figuring out the puzzle that is each new project. No two projects are the same, and they each require new ideas and innovations to design a product that is functional and desirable. She enjoys being a part of the Girls of Promise for young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,, where she can promote lifelong learning and problem-solving techniques that are essential to engineers in the workplace.
Jaime Land, Arkansas Tech University
Jeremy Langley, Central Baptist College
Tameka Lee, Central Arkansas Library System
Elizabeth Leverich, Lindsey & Associates
William Little, DDS, GPS Dental
Justin Lowery, Wellons Land Co.
Justin Lowery is an executive broker specializing in the sale of recreational land and farmland at Wellons Land Co.. With a strong background in wildlife biology and a degree from Mississippi State University, Lowery brings a unique understanding of land, habitat and property value to every client interaction. His expertise helps buyers and sellers navigate the land market with confidence, whether they are looking for investment opportunities, hunting property or working farmland. Known for his integrity, market knowledge and commitment to client success, he has built a reputation for delivering results across a wide range of rural property transactions. He combines hands-on land experience with strategic insight, making him a trusted partner in every phase of the buying or selling process.
Nick Mahan, Lexicon
Nick Mahan is an accomplished financial leader with a unique blend of operational insight and technical expertise. After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, he built a well-rounded foundation through a mix of finance and operations roles. Mahan joined Little Rock-based Lexicon in 2023 and was recently promoted to the role of group controller for the company’s fabrication divisions. Since joining Lexicon, he has spearheaded several high-impact initiatives, including automating monthly financial reporting with Microsoft Power BI, implementing a telematics system to improve driver safety, and building dynamic real-time dashboards. He also developed long-range financial forecasting models and created real-time fabrication scheduling and production tools. His work has improved decision-making, efficiency and visibility across Lexicon.
Brayden Mallett, Arvest Bank
Michael Manley, First Service Bank
Michael Manley is a loan officer and business development officer at First Service Bank’s Little Rock location, where he brings a strong background in credit analysis and commercial lending. Formerly a senior credit analyst, Manley specialized in evaluating complex commercial loan packages and using advanced underwriting methods. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and has eight years of management experience. Over the past four years, he has made significant contributions to the continued growth and success of First Service Bank. Manley is passionate about delivering exceptional service, supporting local businesses and being part of a team that values community impact.
Hayden Medlock, Synergetic Social
J.W. Misenheimer, Newhaven Counseling & Health Services
Issac Morales, Encore Bank
Issac Morales is senior vice president and chief community outreach officer for Encore Bank in Little Rock. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is proficient at training, team development and community outreach. He was promoted to his current position in 2024, after serving as vice president and community outreach officer. He previously worked as an outreach specialist and finance program specialist at the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, as a universal banker at Regions Bank and as an agent at Farmers Insurance Group. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway in 2012.
Joey Msall, P.E., Black Hills Energy
Joey Msall, ensures Black Hills Energy delivers safe, reliable energy for 189,000 customers in more than 100 Arkansas communities. As general manager of operations, he oversees natural gas system operations and integrity initiatives with about 8,000 miles of infrastructure. Through his leadership, Black Hills Energy continues its capital investments to meet the growing demand for energy in the state while supporting a net-zero target by 2035. Msall serves on boards for the Rogers-Lowell Chamber, Arkansas 811 and Ozark Mission Project, among other community service efforts. He graduated from Leadership Arkansas Class XV in 2021. A licensed professional engineer, Msall has a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, an Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and an Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Nick Newton, Arkansas Land Co.
Born and raised in Hot Springs, Nick Newton has a lifelong connection to the outdoors and the land he now helps clients buy and sell. From chasing ducks in flooded timber to early mornings in a deer stand or casting a line on one of the local lakes, Newton’s passion for Arkansas’ natural beauty runs deep. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a degree in agricultural business, combining his love for the outdoors with a strong foundation in land and ag economics. That passion led him to join Arkansas Land Co. in North Little Rock, where he now specializes in properties across southwest Arkansas. Whether a client is looking for a hunting tract, recreational land or a rural property on which to build a dream home, Newton is ready to help clients find the ideal fit. His local knowledge, enthusiasm for the outdoors and deep roots in the area make him a valuable partner in each client’s land-buying journey.
Andrew Norwood, Denton, Zachary & Norwood
Chris Oldner, Stone Bank
Chris Oldner is a graduate of University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a graduate degree in banking from the University of Colorado. Oldner has been employed by Stone Bank since 2017 and worked in several departments before moving into the Small Business Administration division. As vice president/SBA business development specialist, he excels in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners secure the financing they need to start, grow or expand their businesses. With a strong background in commercial lending and a deep understanding of SBA programs — including 7(a) and 504 loans — Oldner works with clients to navigate the process from application to funding with clarity and confidence.
Caroline Otwell, RPM Group
Caroline Otwell is vice president of marketing and brand strategy for RPM Group and Coldwell Banker RPM Group. A 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she joined the firm in May 2023 and quickly emerged as a driving force behind its brand evolution and growth initiatives. Otwell’s early successes in commercial real estate, including listings of nearly $9 million, shaped her professional path and gave her a strong foundation in the industry. Her creative mindset and strategic approach quickly caught the attention of leadership, earning her a seat on the firm’s advisory council and an executive role overseeing marketing and brand strategy across RPM’s multiple operating companies, including commercial, residential, corporate and property management divisions. Otwell excels at identifying growth opportunities and bringing a fresh, forward-looking perspective to every initiative. From reimagining digital campaigns and streamlining internal processes to spearheading corporate events and long-term brand planning, her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation and excellence.
Feather Parrish, Elder Independence
Brooke Parsons, Summit Utilities
Brooke Parsons serves as director of regulatory affairs at Summit Utilities, where she leads a team supporting regulatory strategy and compliance for the company’s two natural gas operating companies across Arkansas and northeast Texas — Summit Utilities Arkansas Inc. and Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. Parsons earned both her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She began her legal career focusing on transportation at a Fortune 500 company before discovering her professional calling in the energy sector. Her favorite aspect of the work is the opportunity to collaborate with team members and engage with local communities across the state. She is dedicated to fostering strong relationships while supporting the hometowns and neighborhoods that depend on natural gas for comfort and dependable energy in their daily lives. Beyond her work at Summit, Parsons is actively involved in industry and community leadership. She serves on the board of Arkansas 811 and chairs the Summit Utilities Women Igniting Success & Empowerment Employee Resource Group, where she champions professional growth and inclusion across the organization.
Kyle Pate, Moses Tucker Partners
Kyle Pate, a brokerage associate at Moses Tucker Partners Bentonville, is a Fayetteville native and former Razorback pitcher. His competitive drive and entrepreneurial spirit have positioned him as a rising leader in northwest Arkansas’ commercial real estate landscape. Before entering the industry, Pate helped launch the e-commerce startup Julep Digital. Since joining MTP in 2022, Pate has been instrumental in more than $35 million in transactions, including the ground lease for the Powerhouse Seafood & Grill property in Fayetteville and the sale of Wilson Park Apartments in Fayetteville. Pate’s portfolio spans from local investors to national institutions, and he is actively working to bring new restaurant concepts, along with residential and mixed-use developments, to northwest Arkansas. A graduate of Leadership Fayetteville Class XXXVII, Pate is pursuing his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation and serves on the boards of Bike.POC in Bentonville and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center in Fayetteville. He also volunteers with 99 Balloons’ bEfriend program.
Nikki Pearson, Arkansas State University
Carrie Phillips, The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Carrie Phillips is the chief communications and marketing officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is responsible for providing vision, oversight and management of strategic communications, marketing, media relations, publications and web/social media across the institution. She leads the office of communications and marketing, where she implements strategies to increase awareness and positive brand recognition in order to attract students, motivate alumni and donors, and recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff. She joined UA Little Rock in 2022 and previously spent 14 years at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where she served as director of communications and marketing, led a brand study and campaign, and helped develop a capital campaign. Phillips received her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and Master of Arts in multimedia journalism from Arkansas Tech. Her Doctor of Education in higher education and higher education administration is from Texas Tech University.
Lee Porter, Ozark Green Roofs
Allison Pruitt, Arkansas Children’s
Garland Rice IV, Stallion Transportation Group
Alex Rogers, Baldwin & Shell Construction Co.
T. Brent Rosson Jr., M.D., North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Dr. T. Brent Rosson Jr. is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has served at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison since 2017. A native of Harrison, he returned to his hometown after earning his medical degree and completing his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Rosson is the medical director at Hospice of the Hills and Hillcrest Home, both in Harrison, and has served on numerous hospital committees focused on clinical quality and patient care. In recognition of his leadership and dedication to rural health care, he received the Arkansas Hospital Association Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
Anna Russell, The Buttered Biscuit
Fredricka Sharkey, Pulaski County Special School District
Kala Slaton, M.D., Conway Regional Renaissance Women’s Center
Dr. Kala Slaton is a board-certified OB-GYN at Conway Regional Renaissance Women’s Center. Since 2020, she has provided comprehensive OB-GYN care to women across all stages of life with a focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques, including the da Vinci Surgical System and vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, or vNOTES. Slaton is also experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies in partnership with maternal fetal medicine specialists. Passionate about expanding access to women’s health care, she leads a rural outreach practice in Morrilton, where she helps meet the needs of patients in underserved counties without local OB-GYN services. A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Slaton completed both her medical degree and OB-GYN residency there. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of The Menopause Society. Recognized for her excellence in education and surgical care, Slaton has received multiple awards, including Outstanding Resident in Reproductive Endocrinology and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Hunter Smith, DDS, GPS Dental
Justin Sparks, Assembled Products Corp.
Shelby Starson, Alcon
Lorenzo Stephens, Lefty’s on the Square
Blaine Tanner, Oyster Bar
Leslie Taylor, AJ Gallagher
Jack Thomas, Little Rock Regional Chamber
Presley Turner, Turner & Rasch, Attorneys at Law
Eric Varner, CPM, Kelley Commercial Partners
Eric Varner is vice president and partner at Kelley Commercial Partners in Little Rock, where he oversees the management of more than 175 properties totaling more than 8.5 million square feet and leads a team of 54 employees. Varner joined the firm in 2013 and quickly advanced, earning his Certified Property Manager designation in less than 18 months as part of the Institute of Real Estate Management’s inaugural Next-Gen CPM Leaders class. He became a shareholder-partner in 2018 and was appointed vice president in 2023. Varner has held leadership positions with the Institute of Real Estate Management and the Little Rock and North Little Rock Chambers of Commerce. A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University’s Hickingbotham School of Business in Arkadelphia, Varner also gives back through his service at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Central Arkansas Christian Schools in Little Rock and FORE Ouachita Golf Tournament.
Itzel Velazquez, Kiva Little Rock/Forge
Courtney Wellborn, Cache Restaurant
Courtney Wellborn is the long-time general manager of Cache Restaurant in Little Rock’s River Market district. Her goal is to ensure that guests continue to feel as though they have been transported beyond Little Rock without leaving town. The restaurant’s private dining options take that experience a step further. Wellborn and Cache use Pinpoint Dining for private party planning, in addition to a dedicated event manager. Wellborn’s mission is to ensure impeccable service, attention to detail and a setting that elevates any occasion remain the trademark of Cache.
Lucy Speed Whiteside, LSW Strategic Communications
Hudson Yancey, Content Solutions Northwest Arkansas
