Jessica Hughes Ford named president & CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation

The board of directors of the Arkansas Community Foundation announced Friday (Nov. 21) Jessica Hughes Ford as the foundation’s next president and chief executive officer.

Ford succeeds outgoing CEO Heather Larkin, who will retire after 27 years with the foundation. The leadership transition will take effect on Jan. 1.

“After a thoughtful and competitive search process, the board is confident Jessica is the right leader to guide Arkansas Community Foundation into its next chapter,” said Tracy Cude, chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “Her experience, passion and deep commitment to Arkansas communities align perfectly with our mission.”

A native Arkansan and nonprofit leader with two decades of nonprofit experience driving strategic communications, organizational transformation, and mission-aligned growth, Ford has been nationally recognized in place-based philanthropy and crisis leadership. She currently serves on the executive leadership team of the foundation as chief communications officer, a role she has held since 2020.

“Jessica’s leadership, her character, and her deep love for Arkansas have been evident since the moment she joined the Foundation,” said Heather Larkin, current president and CEO. “She is a bridge-builder, a convener, and a champion for the communities we serve. I am confident that the Foundation’s future is in excellent hands.”

The announcement coincides with a milestone moment for Arkansas Community Foundation, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Since its founding in 1976, the foundation has distributed more than $600 million in grants statewide and is poised to surpass $1 billion in assets.

Working through 29 local affiliate offices, the foundation serves as both a statewide convener and local catalyst for philanthropy, helping Arkansans turn local generosity into lasting community impact, according to a statement from the group.