Chamber group recognizes four with annual awards
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives, an affiliate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, annually recognizes outstanding individuals and their contributions across both volunteer and professional sectors within community and economic development in Arkansas.
This year’s honorees will be recognized at a special awards luncheon Aug. 24 during AEDCE’s 10th Anniversary Conference. The event, titled Business in the ‘Boro, is slated for Aug. 23 to 25 at Embassy Suites in Jonesboro.
The four awards celebrate honorees’ leadership, professionalism and measurable positive impact in Arkansas communities. Arkansas Money & Politics joins with AEDCE in congratulating this year’s distinguished slate of winners.
Russell Harris
Russell Harris, Entergy Arkansas
Maria Haley Lifetime Leadership for Economic Development
Russell Harris is an accomplished economic development professional whose career has advanced major industry projects, strengthened local communities and supported long-term growth across Arkansas. In his role at Entergy Arkansas, he manages relationships with the utility’s largest industrial customers, guiding complex service and commercial initiatives that enhance reliability, customer satisfaction and economic competitiveness.
Before joining Entergy, Harris served as executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission, where he led efforts to secure multiple state and federal funding grants for infrastructure projects that were instrumental in securing private sector job creation opportunities. He also supported multiple community revitalization and branding efforts that strengthened Newport’s economic development efforts.
Earlier in his career, Harris held key roles at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission managing investment and expansion projects across a 16-county region. He worked on projects that generated more than 3,300 new jobs and about $270 million in capital investment. His contributions to the redesign and administration of the Arkansas Communities of Excellence program helped improve community readiness for growth statewide.
Harris has a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIV.
Jamie Gates
Jamie Gates, Executive Vice President, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce/Conway Development Corporation
Outstanding Economic Developer
In his role at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation, Jamie Gates leads government relations, strategic initiatives and special projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities in Conway and surrounding communities. His efforts have helped bring thousands of new jobs and significant infrastructure investment to Conway and the surrounding region and have supported the attraction and retention of businesses.
His carer in economic development started in 2000 as a community developer for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, followed by roles as executive director of the Conway Downtown Partnership from 2001 to 2004 and assistant to the mayor of Conway from 2004 to 2008. He was also assistant to the speaker of the house in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010.
Gates holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and is a certified chamber executive through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Kellie Wall
Kellie Wall, President/CEO, Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding Chamber Executive
As president and CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, Kellie Wall is dedicated to strengthening the local business community and driving economic growth throughout central Arkansas. With a passion for community development, Wall works closely with business leaders, elected officials, educators and nonprofit organizations to create opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting business success.
Under her leadership, the chamber has expanded programs focused on workforce development, entrepreneurship, business retention and expansion, and community engagement. She spearheaded the Build Maumelle and Accelerate Maumelle initiatives, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, developing future leaders, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships that drive long-term economic growth and investment in the region.
Wall is distinguished by her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision and commitment to bringing together the public, private and nonprofit sectors to create lasting community impact. She is passionate about developing leaders, supporting local businesses and ensuring Maumelle remains one of Arkansas’s premier places to live, work and do business.
Amy Finster
Amy Finster, Community Development Director, FARCO/Precise Contractors
Volunteer of the Year
A first-generation college graduate and registered dietitian, Amy Finster began her career at White River Health before advancing into community leadership and later transitioning into the construction industry. In her role as community development director at FARCO and Precise Contractors, she leads community engagement, strategic partnerships, workforce development and marketing initiatives across Arkansas.
Widely recognized for her talent in connecting people, organizations and resources to strengthen communities, she is well invested in her community. As director of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, she has helped grow the annual event into one of Arkansas’ premier festivals, attracting more than 20,000 visitors, generating significant support for local charities, and promoting tourism, agriculture and economic development.
Following the 2025 EF3 tornado that struck Cave City, Finster led the community’s volunteer and donation command center, coordinating volunteers and resources to assist families during recovery efforts. She has also raised more than $90,000 for local school food pantries through the White River Health 5K and helped support public safety initiatives through the Cave City Easter Run.
She currently serves as vice president of Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation and serves on multiple committees in Cave City and Batesville. Through her professional and volunteer leadership, she demonstrates her passion for building stronger communities, creating workforce opportunities and making a lasting impact across Arkansas.
Photos provided by AEDCE
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