Arkansas Research Alliance adds Mike Ross, Daniel Brown to board of trustees

The Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) named Mike Ross, senior vice president at Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and Daniel Brown, U. S. Steel’s senior vice president of Advanced Technology Steelmaking and chief operating officer of Big River Steel (BRS), to the ARA Board of Trustees.

ARA is a nonprofit organization that aims to drive technology-based economic development in Arkansas by partnering with industry leaders, universities, and government agencies to attract and retain strategic, high-impact scientific and engineering research talent.

Ross, a former U.S. Congressman, assumes the seat held by outgoing board member Barbara Sugg, President and Chief Executive Officer at SPP. Dan Brown’s addition brings representation from Northeast Arkansas’ growing steelmaking industry.

“Mike and Dan are seasoned leaders from two industries critical to the future of our state,” said Bryan Barnhouse, President and CEO of ARA. “They recognize the value of university research as a force for economic growth in Arkansas, and we wholeheartedly welcome them to the ARA Board.”

“U. S. Steel is committed to creating next-generation highly sustainable and technologically advanced steel. Our Big River Steel facility and the new $3 billion expansion currently under construction are the most advanced in North America,” said Brown. “Adding our support to a public-private partnership like ARA aligns with our commitment to innovation and technology.”

“Innovation shapes the future of the electric power industry,” said Ross. “SPP is proud to continue our commitment to ARA’s vision to make Arkansas an even better place. Public service has always been an important part of my life, and I believe my work at SPP, and now with the ARA, is an extension of that.”

The ARA Board of Trustees is comprised of Arkansas business leaders and the chancellor from each of the state’s five major research universities. Launched in 2008, Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) concentrates on opportunities to bring together science and the marketplace.