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Conway Area Leadership Institute Graduates 55

CONWAY, Ark. (Jan. 21, 2025) — The Conway Area Leadership Institute graduated 55 in its 2024 class and recognized several honorees in a ceremony at Legacy Acres on Jan. 13. 

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.   

Felicia Rogers, chief of staff for the City of Conway, received the Dan Nabholz Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes a recent CALI graduate for leadership and community involvement. Felicia was recognized for being an outstanding public servant and community leader. She has used her position in the mayor’s office at the City of Conway to support and drive forward projects that strengthen the community. She brings a collaborative, can-do spirit to Conway’s continuous growth and improvement.

Jake Briley, city airport director, was named the 2024 Class Champion. This award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the Conway Area Leadership Institute throughout the year. The Class Champion is engaged, committed, inclusive, and demonstrates a passion for the community. Jake’s dedication to the CALI Program was most evident in his leadership during the class’s food drive to support Bethlehem House. His efforts played a key role in organizing and inspiring classmates to come together, helping provide crucial support to families in need, and reinforcing CALI’s mission to create a lasting, positive impact in Conway.

Amanda Castillo, member experience manager for Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center, and T.J. McDonald, managing director of Textbook Brokers, were selected to represent their class on the CALI Advisory Board. The advisory board provides feedback on curriculum and program structure, helps select class participants, and selects the Dan Nabholz Award recipient. They join current advisory board members Brandi Keith, Melanie Moore, Joel Shepard, and James Tyus.

The Conway Area Leadership Institute is underwritten by First Arkansas Bank & Trust and sponsored by Conway Regional Health System and Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. Session underwriters are Central Baptist College, Conway Corp, Engage Management, Faulkner County Community Foundation, Gray Beard Ammo, Green Bay Packaging, H+N Architects, Kutak Rock, Klaasmeyer Construction, Nabholz, RE/MAX Elite: The Emily Walter Team, Rogers Group, S7 Tactical, Sinco, United Way of Central Arkansas. 

This year’s class graduates are as follows: 

Adam Gilbert
First Security Bank

Amanda Enis
Integrity Insurance

Amanda Castillo
Conway Regional

Amelia Prater
Chambers Bank

Ann Lawrenz
Homewell Cares

Ashley Mosley
Farris Agency

Bennett Poynter
Insight Enterprises

Brad Sanders
Conway Corporation

Brandon Dyer
Green Bay Packaging

Brent Fason
Conway Corporation

Brittney Gwatney
American Safeguard Insurance

Chris Bentley
Nabholz Construction

Chris Tyler
University of Central Arkansas

Corley Shumaker
Central Baptist College

Dan Overstreet
Tokusen

David Trotter
Insight Enterprises

Derrick Boyd
Microsoft Corporation

Diane Burnside
Leather Brothers

Eric Bell
Self-Employed

Gina Flake
B & B Safety Training

Grant Vrazel
Virco Manufacturing

Haley Turney
Arvest Bank

Heidi Vetter
Genesis of Conway

Ian Stewart
Baptist Health Conway

Jake Briley
City of Conway

Jake Stanley
Integrity Insurance

James Mills
Rogers Group

Jeff Thomas
Sinco

Jerri Worthington
University of Central Arkansas

Jonathan Hoffman
Keathley Patterson

Jordan Broadstreet
Simmons Bank

Joshua Vines
Half Associates

Joy Turchi
Cadron Creek Play

Kaitlyn Ryals
Conway Public Schools

Karey Smith
Conway Public Schools

Karin Fulgham
Integrity Insurance

Kathy Ellis
Baptist Health Conway

KC Offonry
Acxiom

Laurie Williamson
Malvern National Bank

Lexi Gardner
First Arkansas Bank & Trust

Mary Rose Musil
Tokusen

Matthew Judd
Conway Regional

Michael Hudson
University of Central Arkansas

Michael Tate
Centennial Bank

Molly Buenrostro
Gratus Wealth Management

Morgan Harrell
Moore and Co.

Nathan Thomas
Acxiom

Nick Scherrey
SBW Wealth Management

Rachel Nekonchuk
Conway Regional

Raegan McGhee
United Way of Central Arkansas

Robert Bennet
Crafton Tull

Tom Boeck
Peace Lutheran Church

TJ McDonald
Textbook Brokers

Travis Johnson
University of Central Arkansas

Tyler Lachowsky
Natural State Consulting

Conway Area Leadership Institute class applications for 2025 are available at conwayarkansas.org/conway-area-leadership-institute. They are due by the close of business on Friday, Jan. 31. The application is not complete until it and a professional headshot are submitted online.

ABOUT THE CONWAY AREA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 

The Conway Area Leadership Institute prepares emerging leaders to serve the Conway community. Through shared experiences and frequent interactions, participants will engage in a ten-month curriculum inspired by Conway2035. Conway2035 is a long-range strategic plan developed with the input of more than 1,800 area residents. This plan identifies priorities that have been grouped into “People” and “Places”: Arts, Entertainment and Culture; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Education; Job Creation; Poverty and Homelessness; Public Safety; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Beautification; Bicycle Paths and Trails; Downtown Business District; Land Use and Planning; Parks and Recreation; Public Transportation; Streets, Sidewalks and Drainage. 

Become a Member.

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has always strived to help business leaders and create a vibrant economy in the city of Conway, and this commitment remains steadfast today. 

Become a member to take advantage of the many benefits the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce offers!