ARKADELPHIA, AR, April 23, 2025: The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Donald Westerman will be joining our team as the Director of Workforce Development effective June 2, 2025. In this role, Westerman will lead the Alliance’s efforts to align education with industry needs, strengthen talent pipelines, and expand career-connected learning opportunities across Clark County.
Westerman brings a wealth of experience in education and workforce strategy to the position. He began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher before serving as principal at both Fountain Lake Charter High School and Lake Hamilton High School. Under his leadership, Lake Hamilton High School earned national recognition in 2024 as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Pacesetter School, thanks to its robust and innovative career and technical education (CTE) program. The school’s achievement highlighted the creation of career pathways that connect students' interests and strengths with real-world opportunities.
The CTE program overhaul under Westerman’s leadership included modernizing course offerings, integrating new instructional methods, and expanding access to industry-recognized certifications. His expertise has since extended beyond the classroom through his work as a consultant with Bailey Education Group and the SREB, where he supported school systems in building impactful career pathways and workforce strategies.
Westerman’s distinguished career has earned him numerous honors, including being named FCCLA State and National Principal of the Year and receiving SREB’s Excellence in Action Award for his contributions to career and technical education innovation.
“Bringing Donald Westerman on board, with his exceptional qualifications and deep experience in workforce strategy, reinforces how critical workforce development is to Clark County’s future,” said Shelley Short, President and CEO of the Alliance and Chamber. “As we plan for sustainable growth, aligning talent development with industry needs will be a cornerstone of our economic success.”
Westerman is excited to apply the skills he has developed over a successful career in public education— marked by innovative leadership, student-focused practices, and strong community engagement—to build win-win partnerships between educational institutions and industry across Clark County.
“As Director of Workforce Development, I’m excited to strengthen the connections between Clark County’s schools and our local business and industry partners,” said Westerman. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams that bring educators and employers to the same table — developing curriculum and strategies that align what’s happening in the classroom with what’s needed in the workforce. This role is a natural extension of that work. I’m especially energized by the chance to help build a strong pipeline from K-12 through higher education, one that not only tackles today’s workforce needs but also sets the stage for long-term economic growth in Clark County. A well-prepared workforce starts early, and I believe in helping students discover joy and purpose in their career paths by introducing career-focused learning as early as possible. When students see a clear and meaningful future ahead, everyone wins — families, schools, businesses, and the entire community.”
Westerman and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 38 years and reside on the outskirts of Lonsdale in rural Garland County. He is an avid outdoorsman, serves as an Elder at Lake Valley Community Church, and treasures time with his seven grandchildren, especially when they Zoom in to hear their “Big Pappy” read a Dr. Seuss bedtime story.
