Frankie Rankin promoted to CEO of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA
by July 25, 2025 9:30 am 757 views
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA) has named Frankie Rankin as its CEO, according to a Thursday (July 24) news release. She most recently was chief philanthropy officer.
Rankin replaces Tyler Clark who resigned in January after more than seven years with the Bentonville-based nonprofit.
With over 23 years of experience, Rankin has been working at the nonprofit since 2017. She’s worked to expand its fundraising capacity, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance scholarship programs that serve hundreds of single-parent families in Northwest Arkansas.
“I am honored to lead this incredible organization into its next chapter,” Rankin said. “At SPSFNWA, we believe in the power of education to transform generations. I’m excited to work alongside our board, staff, recipients, and supporters to expand our impact and continue building a community where single-parent families have every opportunity to thrive.”
Rankin’s previous leadership experience includes roles with the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, Mercy Health Foundation, and Arkansas Athletes Outreach. She is also a graduate of Leadership Benton County and the Rotary District Leadership Academy and a member of the Rotary Club of Rogers. Rankin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA, I am thrilled to welcome Frankie Rankin as our new CEO,” said Anthony Sumlin board chair. “Frankie is a dedicated leader who has served this organization with heart, vision, and purpose over the past seven years. She is a champion for single parents pursuing higher education and exemplifies servant leadership. With her strategic insight, fundraising expertise, and financial acumen, we are confident she will guide SPSFNWA into an exciting new chapter of impact and growth.”
In June, the nonprofit announced a $7 million campaign to build a new headquarters in Springdale. The new 13,000-square-foot building will be triple the size of its existing office in Bentonville.
Since 1984 the nonprofit has supported single parents in Northwest Arkansas. Over the past 41 years, it’s awarded scholarships to 21,687 single parents, totaling over $18.9 million.