Taylor Speegle leaves Walton Arts Center for Arkansas Children’s Foundation

Taylor Speegle of Fayetteville is the new executive director of philanthropy for Little Rock-based Arkansas Children’s Foundation, the fundraising arm for pediatric health system Arkansas Children’s.

Speegle replaces Kim Dutton, who now works for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas.

According to a news release Tuesday (Sept. 21), Speegle will oversee the foundation’s Northwest Arkansas regional office in Springdale and direct efforts to advance philanthropic support, community engagement and strategic partnerships.

Speegle will lead statewide philanthropic initiatives, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, corporate partner programs, and community events and volunteers.

“We are thrilled to have Taylor at the helm of our Northwest Arkansas Foundation office,” Fred Scarborough, president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation, said in a statement. “Taylor’s fundraising expertise and experience, along with his passion for children’s health, are incredible assets as we advance Arkansas Children’s mission to make children better today and healthier tomorrow.”

Speegle previously worked as vice president of development for the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville and its sister venue in Rogers, the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP).

Speegle earned a bachelor’s degree in drama from the University of Arkansas. In 2010, he pursued a master’s degree in production technology and management from Carnegie Mellon University.

“I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to join the incredible team at Arkansas Children’s,” Speegle said in a statement. “As a passionate advocate for children’s health and a proud parent, I have witnessed the impact of Arkansas Children’s Northwest on the families in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. I am excited to join this community of champions for children and help Arkansas Children’s continue to grow and develop the needs of our patients and families in Northwest Arkansas and throughout the state.”