Leadership Clark County Class X Celebrates Graduation

ARKADELPHIA, AR, May 16, 2025: The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the successful commencement ceremony of Leadership Clark County Class X, presented by Citizens Bank, held on May 15, 2025, at Ouachita Baptist University’s Walker Conference Center. 

The evening began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Clark County Judge Troy Tucker, who emphasized the importance of civic engagement and leadership in strengthening communities. Lori Ross, President of Citizens Bank – Arkadelphia, shared her personal reflections as a past participant of the program and proudly emphasized Citizens Bank’s commitment to investing in the future of Clark County through leadership development. 

Shelley Short, Alliance President & CEO, joined Judge Tucker in presenting graduation certificates to each member of Class X. The ceremony also featured heartfelt reflections from class members Shane Haas, Cutter Jester, and Kyuana Wells, who spoke on their transformative experiences throughout the year-long program. 

“Leadership Clark County is in an investment into the future of our community.” said Shelley Short. “Class X represents a diverse group of individuals who are committed to making a lasting impact in Clark County. We are proud of their personal and professional growth over the course of this program, and we are excited to see how they will lead, serve, and transform our community in the years ahead. 

Leadership Clark County Class X Members: 

• Lisa Bell, Henderson State University 

• Charley Bonner, Citizens Bank 

• Amber Bailey Brownlee, Henderson State University 

• Samantha Brown, Blue Sky Growth Agency 

• Brucilla Buford, Twin Rivers Health & Rehabilitation 

• Laura Eckert, Clark County Farm Bureau 

• Jon Fitzgerald, Sodexo – OBU 

• Shea Fogerty, The J.M Smucker Co. 

• Derek Franklin, Bluebird Real Estate 

• Shane Haas, Southern Bancorp 

• Ashley Halcombe, South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative 

• Brandy Harvell, Southern Bancorp 

• Cutter Jester, KW Jester Logging/Cutway Logging 

• Kristine “Krissy” Kimbro, Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division 

• Christi Nelson, Elite Hospice 

• Ashley Nelson, Scott Nelson Construction/Keller Williams 

• Paul Price, The Pentecostal Church 

• Lynette Smith, Baptist Health Medical Center – Arkadelphia 

• Angela Suttle, Suttle Ridge at DeGray 

• Shelley Tucker, South Central Connect 

• Andrea Wagner, Henderson State University 

• Kyauna Wells, Group Living, Inc. 

Special thanks to our program sponsors: Citizens Bank, Henderson State University, Southern Bancorp and Baptist Health Medical Center – Arkadelphia.