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Board of Trustees

The Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) is governed by a board of trustees made up of chancellors from Arkansas research universities and business leaders from across the state. The board is dedicated to creating opportunities in research, commercialization, and job creation, with each member serving as a champion for research in Arkansas and advancing ARA’s mission. Their leadership has been critical to the organization’s success, and they continue to provide invaluable guidance as ARA launches new programs, fosters collaborations, and builds momentum.

Dr. Todd Shields

Chancellor

Arkansas State University

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Reynie Rutledge

President

First Security Bank

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Phillip Poston

Chief Development Officer

Hytrol

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Murphy USA

Michael Verdesca

Chief Information Officer

Murphy USA Inc.

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Andrea Shoppach

Vice President, Global Governance

Walmart

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Jerry Jones

EVP and Chief Ethics and Legal Officer

LiveRamp

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Chris Hart

President & CEO

Central Moloney INC

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Marty Casteel

President & CEO (retired)

Simmons Bank

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Daryl Brown

Executive Director

External Affairs South Region, MISO

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