The C Suite: Mike Gilbert

Achievements: Oversaw the $8 million conversion of a former hospital to the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s in Rogers; managed $3 million mechanical renovation of The Jones Center; active in producing regional events and in the Downtown Springdale Revitalization Initiative.

What aspects of your work do you most enjoy? “The opportunity to work with Northwest Arkansas youth is most important and rewarding to me.”

What is your favorite part of living in Northwest Arkansas? “The energy. The Downtown Springdale Initiative probably excites me the most because of the water running through downtown. I think the environment will be excellent for families in the years to come.”

What would most people be surprised to learn about you? “I am really a softie.”

If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? “Split it between youth programs at The Jones Center and the Senior Mobile Pantry at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. One supports our future and the other our legacy.”

Who is your most influential role model? “I grew up with strong admiration for my father and his work and have learned more from him than any other person I have known.”

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working? “I collect the work of H. Alvin Sharpe, a poet, artist and metalsmith. I also like to find old junk, and my wife, Cathy, and I make something cool out of it.”