Russellville Regional Leadership Academy Class 40 Recognized
Russellville, AR, June 8, 2026 – During a graduation ceremony June 5, 2026 on the campus of Arkansas Tech University, twenty-four individuals were recognized for their participation in the Russellville Regional Leadership Academy.
The 2026 graduates are: Julio Arroyo, American Red Cross; Christy Ayers, Proland Title; Christine Butler-Coon, Simmons Bank; Jermey Byford, Innovation Industries; Katie Cole, Nabholz Construction; Berenice Garcia-Barahona, Arvest; Samantha Guerra Russellville Chamber of Commerce; Mia Hawkins, City Corporation; Stephen Houserman, Russellville Chamber of Commerce; Mariah Jeffcoat, City of Russellville; Alexis Kelling, Scrubs 2 U; Ladd Lanier, First State Bank; Luke Lovins, Russellville School District; Suzanne McCall, Arkansas Tech University; Emily McDonald, Russellville Country Club; Jake McDonald, Chambers Bank; Stephanie Miranda, Centennial Bank; Rachel Moore, Millard-Henry Clinic; Andy Nicholson, Arcare; Jeff Smith, Union Bank; Hannah Terry, AR Real Estate Collective; Hailie Tolich, Russellville Police Department; Jon Weatherall, Gentiva Hospice; and Casey Willis, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System.
Each year the class completes a community project. Class 40 raised over $28,000 for multiple hydration stations to be placed throughout the city of Russellville. Stations will feature water filling stations with bottle fillers, drinking fountains, and dog bowls. Installation will take place later this summer.
The class selected Katie Cole of Nabholz and Emily McDonald of Russellville Country Club for the Outstanding Leader Award.
Russellville Regional Leadership Academy is an annual program of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) designed to identify, educate and motivate potential leaders to become involved in the future of our community. It is aimed at developing a pool of well-informed and well-motivated men and women qualified to assume present and future leadership roles in the Russellville area. Since the program began in 1986, over 700 men and women have completed the program. For more information about applying for Class 41 and other RACC programs call 479-968-2530 or visit www.russellvillechamber.com.
