Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA), an organization focused on strengthening economic opportunity in Arkansas by investing in university-based research, announced the appointment of Sonja Hubbard, CEO of E-Z Mart Stores Inc., as chairman of its board of trustees. Founded in Nashville, Ark., E-Z Mart is one of the largest, privately held convenience store chains in America. Hubbard, who has been involved with ARA since 2011, will provide leadership to the 22-member board made up of 17 Arkansas business executives and chancellors of the state’s five research universities.