After nearly a decade of impactful service, Karen Wagaman is wrapping up her tenure as Senior Vice President of Downtown Development for the Rogers Lowell Chamber. Since the role’s inception nine years ago, Karen has played a vital role in supporting the extraordinary growth and transformation of Downtown Rogers—helping shape it into the vibrant, thriving destination it is today. As Karen passes the torch, the Chamber is proud to announce the hiring of Sam Danneberg as the new Director of Downtown Development.

Sam joins the team from the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Manager of Workforce Development, Retention and Expansion. In that role, he acted as a liaison between businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. His portfolio included facilitating the development of business districts, supporting existing employers, attracting new companies, and organizing key initiatives such as the Olathe Career Expo and Olathe HR Roundtable. Sam has also collaborated with Olathe’s Downtown Economic Development program—experience that will serve him well as he steps into his new role.

A proud graduate of the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business, Sam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management. His connection to Northwest Arkansas runs deep—his fiancée is a local native, and the two are eagerly anticipating their December wedding.

Personable, service-driven, and creative (he’s also a woodworker and former fitness instructor), Sam brings energy and a collaborative spirit to the table. His role as Downtown Business Developer will focus on implementing the 2015 Downtown Rogers Master Plan, working closely with city leaders, property owners, businesses, developers, realtors and community stakeholders to attract investment, support local growth, and continue enhancing Downtown Rogers as a destination for business, culture, and connection.

Please join us in giving Sam a warm Rogers welcome as he steps into this exciting new chapter in June!