Forty Under 40: Bethany Stephens

Bethany Stephens knows what its like to come to a new town. After living in several different cities growing up, shes found a home in Northwest Arkansas and a job to make people feel at home as vice president of marketing and director of advertising and promotions for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Stephens, who grew up all over the world, cites Wenatchee, Wash., as her hometown, although her parents hail from southern Arkansas.

She began working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas in Springdale in 1998 while finishing school at the University of Arkansas. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in French in 1999, she stayed with Big Brothers Big Sisters as the community partnership manager, working in marketing and public relations with corporate sponsors.

In 2002, she was hired as A&P director for the Chamber, and then took on the duties of vice president of marketing in 2004, while keeping her duties as A&P director.

Stephens, who loves traveling, serves on the board of the Arkansas Travel Council, is a member of Friends of Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Rogers and is actively involved with the Rogers Little Theater.