Forty Under 40: Lisa Knemeyer Skiles

Lisa Skiles grew up in Berryville and earned a bachelor of science in business administration degree from the University of Arkansas in 1987.

The first two years out of college, she worked as an assistant buyer and area manager for Dillard’s Department stores.

In 1989, Skiles was hired as marketing director at the Northwest Arkansas Mall and has remained at that job ever since. She earned the International Council of Shopping Center’s designation as a certified marketing director in 1999.

In her job, Skiles is involved in strategic planning, marketing, advertising and public relations for the 822,000-SF mall, which has about 100 stores and 1,500 employees.

Skiles, 35, was one of three employees selected to help design and implement a marketing training program for Macerich Co., the real estate investment trust that owns the Northwest Arkansas Mall and 53 other shopping centers nationwide.

Skiles served on the steering committee for the first three years of the Ozark Race for the Cure. She also served on the Walton College of Business Dean’s Alumni Advisory Council. Skiles is a Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fayetteville graduate and current volunteer on the coordinating committee.