Donald Westerman to lead workforce development in Clark County

The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Donald Westerman was named as the Director of Workforce Development effective June 2, 2025.

In this role, Westerman will lead the Alliance’s efforts to align education with industry needs, strengthen talent pipelines, and expand career-connected learning opportunities across Clark County.

Westerman brings experience in education and workforce strategy to the position. He began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher before serving as principal at both Fountain Lake Charter High School and Lake Hamilton High School.

Under his leadership, Lake Hamilton High School earned national recognition in 2024 as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Pacesetter School, thanks to its career and technical education (CTE) program.

The CTE program overhaul under Westerman’s leadership included modernizing course offerings, integrating new instructional methods, and expanding access to industry-recognized certifications.

“Bringing Donald Westerman on board, with his exceptional qualifications and deep experience in workforce strategy, reinforces how critical workforce development is to Clark County’s future,” said Shelley Short, President and CEO of the Alliance and Chamber. “As we plan for sustainable growth, aligning talent development with industry needs will be a cornerstone of our economic success.”

“As Director of Workforce Development, I’m excited to strengthen the connections between Clark County’s schools and our local business and industry partners,” said Westerman. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams that bring educators and employers to the same table — developing curriculum and strategies that align what’s happening in the classroom with what’s needed in the workforce. This role is a natural extension of that work. I’m especially energized by the chance to help build a strong pipeline from K-12 through higher education, one that not only tackles today’s workforce needs but also sets the stage for long-term economic growth in Clark County. A well-prepared workforce starts early, and I believe in helping students discover joy and purpose in their career paths by introducing career-focused learning as early as possible. When students see a clear and meaningful future ahead, everyone wins — families, schools, businesses, and the entire community.”