Joe Bailey named head of Arkansas Waterways Commission

Joe Bailey has been named executive director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission effective May 27. He will succeed Cassandra Caldwell who has been director since 2020.

The announcement was made Wednesday (May 14) by Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the Department of Commerce,” McDonald said in a statement. “His experience and long-standing commitment to Arkansas’ economic development and infrastructure will be invaluable in this role.”

Bailey has more than 15 years of experience in economic development, infrastructure coordination, and strategic project management in public and private sectors, according to the Arkansas Department of Commerce. He most recently worked as senior project manager of economic development and external affairs at Entergy Arkansas. Prior to that he was director of business development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Bailey holds a degree in manufacturing technology from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in public administration.

“Joe’s background and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our river system make him a great fit for this role,” said John Edwards, chair of the Arkansas Waterways Commission. “We’re excited to have his leadership as we continue advancing Arkansas’ inland waterways as a critical part of the state’s infrastructure and economy.”

The Arkansas Waterways Commission is the sole state agency responsible for developing, promoting and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas. The Commission also promotes economic development for ports on the state’s five commercially navigable rivers: the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red and White rivers.