Bentonville Chamber board adds 3 new members, sets leadership for 2024

Northwest Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) March 25, 2024 8:56 am 831 views 

The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced three new board members and extended its current executive committee leadership.

The newly appointed members are:

  • Chris Blair – CEO at Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville
  • Scott Cooper – Regional Physician Executive, Mercy Arkansas
  • Lee Culpepper – Vice President of Public Affairs at Walmart

The board’s executive committee members for 2024 are:

  • Martine Pollard – Vice President for Northwest Arkansas at Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Chair of the Chamber Board
  • Chris Schnurbusch – President Southeast Region at Crossland Construction and incoming Chair of the Chamber Board
  • Brad Crain – President and CEO, Arvest Benton County at Arvest Bank and Secretary/Treasurer of the Chamber Board
  • Monica Kumar – Belonging, Equity & Inclusion Strategist with the Northwest Arkansas Council (Engage NWA) and Past Chair of the Chamber Board.

Additionally, Mary Heman, formerly with Vericast as Vice President of CPG Sales, will join the executive committee as a member at large.

“I am thrilled to work with such a talented and diverse group of individuals who are dedicated to the economic prosperity of the Greater Bentonville Area,” chamber president and CEO Brandom Gengelbach said.

According to a news release, the chamber and its board have determined three areas of emphasis:

  • Develop a new benefit structure with added value for its small business owners.
  • Play a stronger role in advocating at the local level for the businesses it serves.
  • Increasing its efforts at both business attraction and retention.

“We are confident that the incoming board members, along with our steadfast executive committee, will play a pivotal role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to enhance the economy of the Greater Bentonville Area,” Pollard said.