Residence: West Memphis
Education: Master’s degree of business administration-marketing/supply chain; bachelor’s degree in marketing, Arkansas State University
What was your dream job and why? As a kid, my dream job was to be a teacher. I’m not sure why, maybe it was the chalk, perhaps it was the gold star stickers; however, it was probably the summer break.
What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? Seeing our community rally behind Marion’s vision for growth, and watching their excitement build as new places to shop, dine, and connect choose Marion as home, has been an inspiring and fulfilling moment.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? My challenge, and my passion, is continuing to connect with retail and restaurant developers who can see the opportunity Marion offers. With $137 million in retail leakage, our community is a gold mine for businesses ready to expand.
What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? I think loyalty, confidentiality, and my determination to always fight for what’s best for Marion have been my greatest assets. When you care deeply about a community, those traits naturally shape how you work every single day.
How do spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? My newest hobby, and I’ll admit, it’s become an obsession, is Diamond Art. It’s like cross-stitch meets paint-by-numbers, with tiny resin “diamonds” placed on a canvas to create something beautiful.
If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? My bucket list is a mix of adventure, history, and a voyage. I want to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon and stop at all those quirky, off-the-map spots along the way, like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the Wigwam Motel in Arizona. I’d love to travel up the East Coast from Washington, D.C., all the way to Maine, taking in the history, the food, and the scenery. And then there’s the dream trip — a European cruise that winds through France, Scotland, and Ireland.
What are your future career plans moving forward? Next year, I will complete year three of the Community Development Institute, taught at CDI Central at the University of Central Arkansas, and take the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) exam. I will also finish the inaugural cohort of 75Strong, a program designed to empower and equip leaders in the field of community and economic development, and take an exam through the International Economic Development Council to earn the certification of Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP).
What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? “No” is a complete sentence. It’s OK to set boundaries between work and life.
Who have been mentors who’ve influenced your professional career? I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors in my life, starting with my mom, Kay, and my husband, Jeremy, who have always encouraged me and supported my goals. My daughter Grace has also been a considerable influence; she’s fearless when it comes to trying new things and stands firmly for what she believes in.
Do you have a significant other and/or children? My husband, Jeremy, and I have been married for 25 years, and we have two daughters, Grace (22) and Lily (16).