Connections: Slezak, Black join AI advisory board

Worlds, a Dallas-based spatial artificial intelligence (AI) company, has included two Northwest Arkansas business leaders among seven people on its 2023 strategic advisory board.

Lee Slezak is vice president of information technology at Tyson Foods in Springdale. Tracy Black is a partner at Rogers firm NewRoad Capital Partners, Arkansas’ largest private equity fund.

With a market launch in August 2021, Worlds has created a new 4D infrastructure for building the industrial metaverse, a platform that brings AI-based automation directly into ground floor operations of large industrial companies.

“Right now is an incredibly exciting time for us. The biggest players in the game are choosing to build their industrial metaverse with Worlds,” CEO Dave Copps said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the invaluable insights and feedback from this exceptional group of leaders. It’s been a total game-changer for us, completely transforming the way we’re approaching the market.”

Worlds announced a $21.1 million series A funding round in January.

NEW HIRES
Nonprofit
Jennifer Martinez Belt
Bentonville
Employer: Scott Family Amazeum
Title: director of development and communications
Previous employer: Peel Compton Foundation
Previous title: director of development

PROMOTIONS
Education
Brent Williams
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas
Title: interim dean; Sam M. Walton College of Business
Previous title: associate dean, Sam M. Walton College of Business

Finance
Matt Beasley
Fort Smith
Employer: ArcBest
Title: chief financial officer
Previous title: treasurer

Stacy Hopkins
Springdale
Employer: Springdale School District
Title: chief financial officer
Previous title: accountant

Blake Holzhauer
Fayetteville
Employer: Farmers and Merchants Bank
Title: chief credit officer
Previous title: chief commercial lending officer

Hospitality
Tyler Wilson
Fayetteville
Employer: Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission
Title: vice president of strategic initiatives; executive director, Fayetteville Town Center
Previous title: executive director, FTC

Media
Phil Reed
Fayetteville
Employer: KHBS/KHOG 40/29
Title: weekday morning anchor; “40/29 News Sunrise”
Previous title: anchor/reporter

AWARDS
Hospitality
Tina Archer-Cope
Fayetteville
Employer: Experience Fayetteville
Title: vice president of sales
Award: Emerging Tourism Star
Organization: eTourism Summit 2023

APPOINTMENTS
Nonprofit
Annemarie Dillard Jazic
Little Rock
Employer: Dillard’s
Title: vice president of e-commerce and digital marketing
Appointment: board member
Organization: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

NEWSMAKER SUBMISSIONS
Notices of executive promotions, new hires or appointments in Northwest Arkansas or Fort Smith may be sent by email to [email protected]. Submissions may include a photo, which will be used on a space-available basis.