Jennifer Irwin promoted to lead Fayetteville chamber

Jennifer Irwin has been named president and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, effective Wednesday (Nov. 20). She replaces Steve Clark, whose last day in the position was Tuesday (Nov. 19).

Irwin, a Dallas native and a graduate of the University of Arkansas, has worked as the chamber’s director of leadership since 2012. Clark has served as president and CEO since 2009. According to the chamber, the organization has around 1,200 members, and has seven employees.

“I am honored to have been selected, and I fully understand the monumental shoes I need to fill,” Irwin said. “Steve was an exceptional leader for our chamber, and I am grateful to follow in his footsteps.”

Mark Power, assistant dean of philanthropy in the UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business and incoming chamber board president, announced the move at the end of the chamber’s annual meeting as the celebration of Clark’s chamber tenure ended.

“Jennifer is an exceptional leader,” Power said. “Her dedication and passion for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce has been apparent since she joined the team. We are excited about her new role as president and CEO.”

Larry Shackelford, president and CEO of Washington Regional and current chamber board president, said Irwin brings institutional knowledge to the job.

“We are excited for Jennifer to join the legacy of leadership of the Fayetteville chamber as our next president and CEO. She knows the staff team, the community, the leadership and the personality of the organization. I believe that she will have impact on our community and our members immediately,” he said.