Forty Under 40: Jordan Hale

Jordan Hale’s first political experience was in summer 2011 as a congressional intern in the Washington, D.C., office of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers.

“I was introduced to the congressman and his team initially whenever I had an internship in his office when I was an undergrad,” he said. “That sparked the interest.”

After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith with a bachelor’s degree in history, he became a John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellow serving again in Womack’s Washington office. The fellowship is a partnership between the congressman and UAFS.

“I had the opportunity to be the first fellow from UAFS,” he said. “It was kind of a deep dive and provided some good opportunities in D.C. past the run-of-the-mill internship.”

The Pocola, Okla., native worked as a regional sales manager for Fort Smith-based OK Foods for about a year before joining UAFS as an admissions officer. He served in multiple roles, including interim assistant director of admissions and senior admission officer, before being promoted to government and community relations director in July 2017. In that role, he raised awareness of UAFS priorities at the state Capitol, implemented the UAFS Promise and oversaw the fellowship in which he’d participated.

In April 2020, he began in his current role. Starting early in the COVID-19 pandemic, he adapted to challenges and embraced technology to remain in touch with 3rd District happenings. Hale is responsible for representing Womack in the district and serving as a liaison between his Washington staff and Arkansas constituents.

Hale earned a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management from Arkansas State University in August 2018. He is involved in UAFS Alumni Mentor Connections. He spends his free time duck hunting and working on home projects.