Ross DeVol, who has led Bentonville-based think-and-do tank Heartland Forward since 2019, will transition to chairman emeritus, the nonprofit announced Wednesday (July 30). Angie Cooper, president and chief operating officer, will succeed DeVol.
“It is an honor to lead Heartland Forward at such a defining moment for both our region and our nation,” Cooper said. “Our mission — to accelerate economic growth and reshape the narrative of the heartland — has never been more urgent. Together with our exceptional team and partners, we will strengthen public-private partnerships, expand workforce development, improve community health and harness the power of innovation — especially in this era of artificial intelligence.”
As chairman emeritus and distinguished fellow, DeVol will continue to provide guidance and support to the organization through the end of the year, “ensuring a seamless transition and continued momentum across all of Heartland Forward’s critical initiatives,” the release shows.
“Leading Heartland Forward has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” DeVol said. “Together, we’ve built a first-of-its-kind organization that not only conducts rigorous research focused on America’s heartland but also implements actionable solutions to drive economic growth. We received multiple awards from our support of entrepreneurs to expanding access to high-speed internet. Our work has been cited in a variety of national and local print media and TV. … Angie’s leadership has been instrumental in our progress, and I am confident she will continue to propel the mission forward.”
Jim Walton, chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank Group, is the Heartland Forward founder. Walton is the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
“Ross played a critical role in establishing and scaling Heartland Forward to become an impactful organization in improving the economic and health prospects for the center of the country, and I am confident Angie will expand the organization’s impact in the future,” Jim Walton said.
The heartland comprises 20 central U.S. states, including Arkansas. The nonprofit organization recently announced a goal to generate $500 million in economic impact across the heartland by 2030 through research, community-based programs and policy recommendations.
Key impact areas for the organizationincludes expanding high-speed internet and AI use, building a talent pipeline, investing in health and wellness, and hosting the Heartland Summit, the organization’s flagship event that brings global leaders to the area.
Link here for a recent video interview of Cooper with Editor-In-Chief Roby Brock.