Forty Under 40: Kelly Hale Zega

Kelly Hale Zega grew up in Pea Ridge and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1990, majoring in broadcast journalism and political science.

Ever since graduation, she has remained at the UA as an employee, working in the career services office, the admissions office and, since 1997, as assistant director of communications for the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Zega, 31, works in leadership development, helping organize and publicize activities for the alumni association’s 45 chapters nationwide. She also develops volunteerism, academic scholarship fund raising and social activities within those satellite organizations.

Zega served as production manager for the award-winning ARKANSAS magazine, the primary regular communication tool for UA alumni.

She is responsible for spearheading and mentoring efforts to form the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the alumni association, which represents about 15,000 UA alumni and friends in Benton and Washington counties. The group’s primary focus is to raise funds for academic scholarships, to support UA programs and to provide a social connection for area graduates, former students and athletic fans.