Connections: Shellhammer to lead UA business incubator

Business executive and serial entrepreneur Phil Shellhammer has been tapped by the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to lead its Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP).

GORP is housed at the Collaborative in Bentonville. It helps early-stage startups grow through workshops, mentorships and other services. The 12-week business incubator is intended for outdoor recreation entrepreneurs across multiple domains, including regionally focused hospitality and tourism businesses as well as product- and service-focused ventures with an ambition to scale globally.

Shellhammer is a former merchandising executive with Sam’s Club. In 2019, he established two education-focused tech startups: Eksplor Gaming and Wize Computing Academy of Northwest Arkansas.

NEW HIRES
Communications
Michelle Bradford
Springdale
Employer: The Jones Center
Title: communications and marketing director
Previous employer: Doxa/Vantage
Previous title: Public relations director/copywriter

Retail
Channing Barker
Fayetteville
Employer: Walmart Inc.
Title: project manager; culture, diversity, equity & inclusion
Previous employer: Benton County Government
Previous title: communications director

Utilities
Trish Ouei
Rogers
Employer: Beaver Water District
Title: director of public affairs
Previous employer: University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
Previous title: county extension agent

PROMOTIONS
Banking & Finance
Joy Hapeman
Springdale
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: senior vice president
Previous title: consumer lending sales manager

APPOINTMENTS
Nonprofit
Patricia Rodriguez
Rogers
Employer: The Bail Project
Title: client advocate
Appointment: board member
Organization: NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation

Nicole Foote
Bentonville
Employer: Kellogg Co.
Title: senior sales director
Appointment: board member
Organization: NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation

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