Forty Under 40: Aron Shelton

After presenting ideas to its former and existing leadership on communicating the region’s story, Aron Shelton joined the Northwest Arkansas Council in July 2017.

Recently, the Fayetteville native spearheaded the council’s Life Works Here program to attract remote workers. Since November 2020, the program has had more than 30,000 applicants from 50 states and 115 countries. About 30 applicants have relocated to the region.

“Once they are exposed to everything the region has to offer, this place kind of sells itself,” he said.

Shelton also works with area employers to determine their employment needs and uses digital marketing tools to target, attract and drive talent here.

He previously served as director of The Station in downtown Springdale as part of the Teen Action and Support Center. He joined the center in 2014 and was director of community service and engagement, director of digital engagement, and director of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Since 2015, he’s provided contract work for Velocity Group in Bentonville. He also was an employee there, handling digital engagement for urban planning projects.

In 2011, he co-founded the nonprofit Seeds That Feed, providing surplus produce for the needy. The following year, he co-founded the nonprofit SpareTime Inc. that was part of startup accelerator Ark Challenge.

He considers his career highlight the opportunity to amplify the region’s story and his exposure to the good work happening here. He looks to highlight not only the growth of the area but also its community spirit and generosity.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in financial investments and management from the University of Arkansas in 2007. Shelton supports nonprofit Arkansas Soul. He enjoys hiking, floating and reading.