Anna Cannon named executive director of Helen Walton center

The Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center in Bentonville has appointed Anna Cannon as the center’s new executive director, according to a Thursday (May 22) news release. She begins in her role on June 30.

Michelle Barnes previously served as the executive director of the education and child care center for 20 years until her retirement in October 2024. The center has 240 children and 70 staff.

Cannon joins the center after a 17-year career at the Economic Opportunity Agency (EOA) of Washington County, most recently as the director of children’s services. She led strategic and operational oversight of a state and federally funded early childhood education program serving 347 children and families at multiple locations.

She began her career at EOA as a Head Start teacher before becoming a center director. She directed 25 staff at two centers serving 100 children. As EOA’s human resources manager, she developed and implemented strategies to attract, train and support diverse talent.

“Anna’s deep passion for early childhood education and her impressive background in both education and administration make her uniquely qualified to lead HWCEC into its next chapter of excellence and innovation in early childhood education,” said Kristin Daniel, board chair of the center.

Cannon earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies/early childhood education from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She is affiliated with multiple organizations that promote the health and well-being of children in the state, including Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association and the Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Impact Center.

She’s also completed numerous certifications and trainings, including Infant/Toddler and Preschool Conscious Discipline Training, Equity in Early Childhood Training and the Hudson Internal Coaching program.

“I am deeply honored to join the Helen Walton Children’s Enrichment Center, an organization whose legacy of excellence in early childhood education has set a powerful example for what is possible when we invest in our youngest learners,” Cannon said. “Building on this strong foundation, I am committed to advancing a future where every child is not only prepared for school but inspired to reach their full potential — nurtured by the same spirit of innovation, compassion, and community that defines HWCEC.”

The center opened in 1982 and was named after Helen Walton, philanthropist and wife of Walmart founder Sam Walton. After recognizing the impact that early education could have on families and the community, Helen Walton rallied community leaders, provided financial support, and laid the foundation for the center.