Connections: Northwest Arkansas leaders to participate in UCA program

The University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development has selected 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders to participate in the Community Development Pipeline program from spring 2026 to fall 2028.

The program is designed to provide training and technical assistance to community leaders in Washington and Benton counties. It is supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Participants were chosen through a competitive application process. A list of the 25 leaders is available online at uca.edu/cced/cd-pipeline-program.

“Northwest Arkansas is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions,” said Shelby Fiegel, director of the Center for Community and Economic Development. “The pipeline program was created to empower and support leaders in Washington and Benton counties to capitalize on opportunities and implement strategies for planned, sustainable development.”

Over the course of the program, the leaders will participate in UCA’s Community Development Institute training and engage in community and economic development work in the area. Participants will receive a three-year scholarship and travel support to the Community Development Institute in Conway. They can also become certified Professional Community and Economic Developers.

NEW HIRES
Banking
Jenna Evans
Rogers
Employer: Generations Bank
Title: director of treasury management
Previous employer: Simmons Bank
Previous title: business risk and control manager

Communications
Meghan Dryzga
Rogers
Employer: PodcastVideos.com
Title: vice president of strategic growth
Previous employer: J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Previous title: director, UX Center of Excellence

Construction
Travis Legare
Springdale
Employer: Emery Sapp & Sons
Title: vice president of operations
Previous employer: Ames Construction
Previous title: engineering manager

Healthcare
Margaret “Maggie” Oliver
Fayetteville
Employer: Washington Regional Infectious Disease Clinic
Title: advanced practice registered nurse
Previous employer: Infectious Disease Specialists of Northwest Arkansas
Previous title: advanced practice registered nurse

Nonprofit
Brad Dutton
Fayetteville
Employer: Water for Good
Title: regional director of donor relations
Previous employer: New Heights Church
Previous title: community and care pastor

Brittney Gulley
Fayetteville
Employer: Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
Title: development officer
Previous employer: WelcomeHealth
Previous Title: director of development

PROMOTIONS
Insurance
James McMillan
Greenwood
Employer: BHC Insurance
Title: chief sales officer
Previous title: vice president of employee benefits

Utilities
Justin Goodwin
Fayetteville
Employer: Black Hills Energy
Title: operations supervisor for Washington and Madison counties
Previous title: lead cathodic protection technician for Arkansas gas operations

Michael Kite
Fayetteville
Employer: Black Hills Energy
Title: senior manager of gas operations for Washington and Madison counties
Previous title: measurement and corrosion manager for Arkansas gas operations

Kasey Weathers
Fayetteville
Employer: Black Hills Energy
Title: measurement and corrosion manager for Arkansas gas operations
Previous title: measurement and corrosion supervisor

APPOINTMENTS
Tourism
Jeffrey Oldt
Bentonville
Employer: Scott Family Amazeum
Title: chief business officer
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Downtown Bentonville Inc.

AWARDS
Engineering
Mariah Crews
Fayetteville
Employer: Olsson
Title: transportation engineer
Award: 2025-2026 Young Professional of the Year
Organization: American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas