Talk Business & Politics adds Tamika Edwards, Robert Coon as contributors

Talk Business & Politics has added two new political contributors to its editorial line-up.

Tamika Edwards and Robert Coon will provide regular guest commentaries as well as make appearances on political panels on Talk Business & Politics television shows, radio programs, and daily digital newscasts.

“We are constantly looking for talented writers and communicators who can advocate positions across the political spectrum,” said Roby Brock, host of Talk Business & Politics. “Tamika and Robert bring years of experience and insight to the table and will help our readers, viewers and listeners better comprehend the news of the day and the big issues driving policy debates in Arkansas and the nation.”

“I am excited about joining such a dynamic and well-respected news organization. And I look forward to sharing my perspective on the myriad of issues Talk Business & Politics covers that are so important to Arkansas and her people,” said Edwards.

“I look forward to drawing on my political and issue advocacy background at the national and state levels to offer a unique perspective on the dynamic, and somewhat uncharted political environment we find ourselves in today,” said Coon. “I know the audience that follows Talk Business & Politics is looking for valuable insight on a wide range of issues and my aim is to provide that to them.”

Tamika Edwards, a native of Little Rock, serves as the director of Governmental Affairs for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF). As director of governmental affairs, Edwards advances the mission and policy agenda of AACF by directing the development and execution of AACF’s legislative strategy and managing key relationships with elected officials and other policymakers. She plays a central role in facilitating AACF’s team approach to lobbying. Prior to joining AACF, Edwards was the director of public policy at Southern Bancorp Community Partners and served in the office of U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., for nearly 11 years, ending her career there as a community affairs specialist.

Her community leadership stints include the Board of Visitors for UA-Pulaski Tech, Friends of Mosaic Templars Board of Directors, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development Advisory Council, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Board of Directors.

Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), a master’s degree in professional and technical writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), and a juris doctorate from the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. She resides in Little Rock with her husband, daughter and son.

Coon is a partner at Little Rock-based Impact Management Group (IMG). He is a registered lobbyist, representing clients before the Arkansas General Assembly, executive branch, and state agencies. Coon also develops strategic communications campaigns and oversees grassroots, media, and digital outreach services for IMG’s public policy and issue advocacy clients. His background includes a variety of industry sectors including energy, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, financial services, labor and agriculture. Prior to joining IMG, Coon worked in Washington, D.C.

Coon has served on the Arkansas Service Commission, Little Rock Sister Cities Commission, Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism, and Arkansas District Export Council.

A native of Greenville, S.C., Robert graduated summa cum laude from Presbyterian College (Clinton, S.C.) with a bachelor’s degree with honors in both business administration and political science. He and his wife, Lindsay, are members of Fellowship Bible Church. They live in Little Rock with their two daughters and one son.

Talk Business & Politics airs Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on KATV Ch. 7, 10 a.m. on KAIT’s NBC affiliate, and 10:30 a.m. on KFSM Ch. 5. In addition, TB&P airs regularly on NPR member stations throughout the state, including KUAR, KUAF and KASU. Also, TB&P content can be found daily at TalkBusiness.net.