The Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses has appointed Jayesh Ramnani of Bentonville as the association’s executive director, according to a Thursday (July 31) news release. The organization also named two new board members, Deepali Lal of Little Rock and Chung Tan of Fayetteville.
Ramnani, director of engineering for Walmart, will succeed Yang Luo-Branch of Rogers, who founded the organization in 2017. She’s stepping down after serving eight years as executive director.
Founded in 2017, the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that works to connect Arkansas and Asia in business. The organization also has a charitable arm, Natural State Business Foundation.
Active in Northwest Arkansas, Ramnani has provided counsel and governance to various for-profit and nonprofit organizations focused on growth, community impact and workforce development. These organizations include serving as a member of the board of directors of Verma and Associates, a real estate sales and property management organization, and Connect Wagon, where he serves as a mentor for startups. Ramnani is also working to promote the sport of cricket throughout the state.
“I believe deeply in the power of connecting people and resources to create opportunities, which is why the AAAB’s mission to ‘bridge Arkansas and Asia in business’ resonates with me so strongly,” Ramnani said. “To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been following the AAAB’s journey and have been consistently impressed by its mission and the impactful work accomplished by a team of dedicated volunteers.”
Board Chair Michael Mourot of Houston said the nonprofit was fortunate to have multiple candidates for the executive director and the two new board of directors positions.
Lal is an attorney and director of EB-5 Compliance for Pine State Regional Center, a division of Little Rock-based ACC Capital. Tan is the deputy director of industry and employment for the city of Fayetteville.
“This level of interest reflects the strength of our mission and the potential for the future,” Mourot said. “Together, our new board and executive director will be the catalyst to chart a dynamic path forward.”
Mourot also praised Luo-Branch for her work to grow the organization.
“Her presence will be impossible to replace in kind,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for all she has contributed.”