Benton County has been blessed with a wealth of financial, physical and human resources, but we sometimes tend to take for granted the future of our area by simply assuming that the appropriate leadership talent will emerge to guide us whenever we need it.

The keys to our future are knowledgeable and skilled leaders, willing to step to the forefront, who have an awareness and understanding of all facets of our community, including government, business, education, recreation, utilities, infrastructure, housing, health care, social services and more.

The Leadership Benton County (LBC) program provides leadership training specific to regional issues facing the county and serves as the Chamber’s training ground for future leaders in Benton County. Goals of the 11-session program include identification and motivation of individuals with leadership potential; acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities; offering a forum for dealing with community issues; and challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and the process of decision-making.

LBC is excited to announce its class for the 2021 year – this year’s participants are listed below. Congratulations on being selected to Leadership Benton County!

Leadership Benton County's 2020-21 Class:

Alex English
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)

April Legere
Walmart, Inc.

Ashton Caton
Mercy NWA

Austin Bryan
Hogan Taylor LLP

Bourgon Reynolds
Rose Law Firm

Brandi Mallard
Collier & Associates

Brock Hessing
Signature Bank of Arkansas

Cason Henehan
Assembled Products Corporation

Cori Wilson
Crossland Construction Company

Danae Ledbetter
Bentonville Preparatory School

David Thiessen
Arkansas Children’s Northwest

Drew Stoner
First Security Bank

Evetta Aldridge
Northwest Arkansas Community College

Grant Brewer
Rogers Heritage High School

Jacqueline Serrano
Grand Savings Bank

Jeff Baxter
Flintco, LLC

Jorge Andrade
Hight Jackson Associates

Jose Contreras
Black Hills Energy

Justin Teague
Citizens Bank

Katie Crawford
Arvest Bank

Kendreka Myles
Walmart, Inc.

Mary Pederson
Arvest Bank

Matthew Philpott
Glad Manufacturing (Clorox)

Noel DuBose
Signature Bank of Arkansas

Quintin Canada
Ozark Dermatology

Reed Hill
Crafton-Tull

Sangeetha Thelapurath
Walmart, Inc.

Shanda Hunter
City of Rogers

Stephanie Wehmeyer
Leisurlist, LLC

Stephen DeMaura
Walmart, Inc.

Will Mullen
Smith Hurst, PLC

Zach Hoyt
CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.