Paragould Chamber hires Allison Hestand to replace retiring Sue McGowan as CEO

The Paragould Chamber of Commerce and Community Growth Strategies has a new director of economic development and CEO.

The organization’s board has voted to hire Allison Hestand to serve in both positions. She is slated to begin work Aug. 21, according to the chamber.

Hestand will replace retiring Chamber CEO Sue McGowan.

“I am ecstatic to take on this new role in our community and to have the opportunity to learn from Sue. Sue has made a tremendous impact on our community and I am eager to follow in her footsteps. I am very excited to work with the Chamber and do my part to keep Paragould a vibrant community for us all to live and work in,” Hestand said in a statement.

She currently works as the agency manager for Block Insurance of Paragould.

Hestand is an Arkansas State University graduate with a degree in finance.