Kimberly Williams named director of Arkansas’ Great River Road

Kimberly Williams, a 20-year veteran of the Arkansas tourism industry and Delta native, has been named director of Arkansas’ Great River Road.

The Great River Road-Arkansas National Scenic Byway is part of a 10-state driving route along both sides of the Mississippi River, from its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. In Eastern Arkansas, the route travels through 10 counties that are along the river or historically associated with the river.

Williams will coordinate activities for Arkansas’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission, present and disseminate information about the Great River Road and its attractions, and develop working relationships with agencies, political officials, community leaders and others who are involved with the Great River Road.

“I’ve always said that my work in the tourism industry for the Arkansas Delta is the greatest job in the world,” said Williams. “It is such an honor to introduce visitors from across the globe to the Delta, many of whom are amazed by the history and culture of the area. As director of the Great River Road, I’ll be able to take these efforts to a new level. I look forward to working with partners all across Arkansas and the nation to help promote the unique treasures of this region of The Natural State.”

Williams worked 10 years as the Delta travel writer for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, where she will continue in that role. She is one of three vice presidents of Arkansas Delta Byways, a tourism association that promotes the heritage of the Arkansas Delta region.

Previous to her tenure at ADPT, Williams worked for the U.S. Forest Service for five years in Marianna and Mountain View. She also served as development coordinator at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena for 10 years.

Born and raised in Marianna, Williams is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications.