Connections: Friday firm bolsters M&A practice in Northwest Arkansas

Little Rock-based Friday, Eldredge and Clark has hired Erin A. James to join its mergers and acquisitions practice group in the firm’s Rogers office. Her practice will involve all aspects of business mergers and acquisitions, general business formation and choice of entities. James will also represent clients in all areas of taxation.

She received her Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in May. She earned her law degree and business law certificate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2020 and is a UA graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology and political science.

NEW HIRES
Economic Development
Anita Brackin
Fort Smith
Employer: Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
Title: vice president of workforce development
Previous employer: Southwest Tennessee Community College
Previous title: associate vice president; workforce, economic development and continuing education

Education
Carey Tucker
Fort Smith
Employer: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Title: vice chancellor for finance and administration
Previous employer: South Arkansas Community College
Previous title: vice president for finance and administration

Media & Marketing
Andre Arceneaux
Bentonville
Employer: Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Title: director of marketing and communications
Previous employer: Reeled In Media
Previous title: director of business development

Nonprofit
Dina Wood
Fayetteville
Employer: United Way of NWA
Title: vice president of individual engagement
Previous employer: UAMS
Previous title: senior director of development for NWA initiatives

PROMOTIONS
Banking & Finance
Justin Peek
Fayetteville
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: vice president
Previous title: commercial banker

APPOINTMENTS
Communications
Kevin Trainor
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas
Title: senior associate athletic director for public relations
Appointment: third vice president
Organization: College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)

Nonprofit
Mike Crist
Rogers
Employer: J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
Title: vice president of highway services pricing
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

Bert Kell
Rogers
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: senior vice president and trust officer
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

NEWSMAKER SUBMISSIONS: Notices of executive promotions, new hires or appointments may be sent to Paul Gatling at [email protected].