CONWAY, Ark. (Feb. 2, 2023) — The Conway Area Leadership Institute graduated 48 in its 2022 class and recognized several honorees in a ceremony at the University of Central Arkansas McCastlain Hall on Jan. 27.
CALI is a 10-month program that prepares emerging leaders to serve the Conway community by providing first-hand experience with community leaders, businesses, and local organizations. Participants engage in a curriculum inspired by Conway2035, a long-range strategic plan developed with the input of more than 1,800 area residents.
Ty Ledbetter, a captain for the Conway Fire Department, received the Dan Nabholz Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes a recent CALI graduate for leadership and community involvement. Ledbetter was selected for his leadership in organizing several COVID-19 vaccination clinics, establishing the Conway Fire Department EMS Division, and securing funding to support the paramedic program and install a Safe Haven Baby Box.
Ty Ledbetter, Dan Nabholz Emerging Leader Award winner
Joel Shepard was named Class Champion of the 2022 class. The award recognizes one individual for contributions to the group throughout the year. Shepard and fellow 2022 class member, James Tyus, were added to the CALI Advisory Board, which provides feedback on curriculum and program structure.
Joel Shepard, 2022 Class Champion
As part of its community impact project, the class raised more than $44,000 to support two local non-profits, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Conway Ministry Center. These funds were used to build 56 beds for area children in need and welcome kits for families moving into new homes.
The Conway Area Leadership Institute is underwritten by Rock Pond Pros and sponsored by First Arkansas Bank & Trust. Session underwriters are Central Baptist College, Conway Corporation, Conway Regional Health System, H+N Architects, Klaasmeyer Construction, and Nabholz Corporation.
This year’s class graduates are as follows:
| Deepti Nikam Acxiom | Doneshia Boyd Acxiom | Evelyn Landrith Arvest Bank |
| Gary Mitchell Baptist Health-Conway | Lindsey Paxton CareSource PASSE | Destiny Lankford Centennial Bank |
| Rachel Scott Central Baptist College | Tyler Bailey Central Tube and Bar | Cami Goodell Chambers Bank |
| Ethan Barnes Chambers Bank | Darrell Yates Conway Corporation | Brittney Wood Conway Human Development Center |
| Blaire Bledsoe Conway Regional Health System | Jessica Smith Conway Regional Health System | Josh Tennant Conway Regional Health System |
| Taylor Shouse Conway Wealth Management | Tara Robertson Cousins Office Furniture | Morgan Lefler Engage Management |
| Krissy McCurley EngageMed | Joe Sexson Ensono | Timothy Thomas Jr. First Arkansas Bank & Trust |
| Cameron Reesor First Community Bank | Matt Wilcox First Security Bank | Nate Bartlett First Service Bank |
| James Tyus Gainwell Technologies | Shawn Glenn Gainwell Technologies | Amber Watkins HD Roofing |
| Dawn Bramlett HJC CPAs and Advisors | Jennifer Sutterfield J&J Sutterfield LLC | Alexander Baney Malvern National Bank |
| Ashley Spencer Mark V. Williamson Co., Inc. | Derrick Anderson Mark V. Williamson Co., Inc. | Maddie Hobbs McDonald Agency |
| Ashlea Brown Nabholz | Reed Madden NRG Insurance | Erica Robichaud Premier, Inc |
| Jack Langston Rogers Group | Joel Shepard Simmons Bank | Tyler Goodell Sissy’s Log Cabin |
| Alison Taylor University of Central Arkansas | Cassandra McCuien-Smith University of Central Arkansas | Kevin Carter University of Central Arkansas |
| Melanie Watson University of Central Arkansas | Andrew Moore Virco Manufacturing | Landon Ezell Weaver-Bailey Contractors |
| Datavian Bowser Willow Event Center | Austin DuVall Winthrop Rockefeller Institute | Tracy Kendrick Winthrop Rockefeller Institute |
