One of the leading voices on behalf of business and industry in the state, Randy Zook is a former executive with a $200 million Atlanta-based envelope company who in his lobbying and association roles has grown into one of the top influencers in Arkansas.
A native of Melbourne (Izard County), Zook began his career in economic development in 2004. He’s served as deputy director of administration and finance for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, chairman of the Central Ozarks Task Force for Economic Development and as part of the Melbourne Airport Commission, as well as serving on the boards of KIPP Delta Public Schools in Helena-West Helena, Economics Arkansas and McGehee Farm & Real Estate Co.
During his tenure as president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, he has been outspoken on the issues facing the state’s business community. In 2015, Zook and the chamber worked to further their mission through supporting an increase in gas taxes, a decrease in capital gains taxes and a veto of a religious freedom law.
More recently, he forged an impressive alliance of business and industry groups to fund Be Pro Be Proud, an initiative to spark interest in the trades. The program brings hands-on multimedia demonstrations of various skilled careers to job fairs, high schools and community colleges statewide.
READ MORE: Full List of 2020 Arkansas Influencers