Forty Under 40: Missy Kincaid

Little Rock native Missy Darwin Kincaid graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1987. She then spent time in Washington D.C. working for U.S. Sen. David Pryor, D-Arkansas; just under a year in New York working in off-Broadway productions; and teaching English in the Czech city of Prague before going to work for President Clinton’s administration. nShe worked in various capacities for the Clinton administration including as a protocol officer, a chief of staff for the United States Small Business Administration and finally as Hillary Clinton’s personal assistant.n”It was incredibly exciting,” she said. nWhile on the East coast, she met her husband, who happened to be from Fayetteville and also happened to be the son of her mentor, Diane Blair. The couple moved back to “The Natural State” in 2000, and she has been with the Walton Arts Center since. nKincaid is now dedicated to ensuring WAC has enough contributed income to remain a top cultural center in the region and lure nationally recognized talent. Contributed income has doubled to more than $2 million in 2003 since her arrival. nHer advice to other up-and-coming professionals is to create opportunities, take risks and find a reliable mentor who can serve as a sounding board. nn