The landscape of Northwest Arkansas is evolving with a series of significant appointments and promotions across various sectors. From healthcare to education and from construction to the arts new leaders are stepping into key roles, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the region.
These changes reflect a dynamic shift in the local professional environment, with experienced individuals taking on new challenges and responsibilities. The following sections highlight some of the most notable transitions and the impact they are expected to have on their respective fields.
Notable Appointments in Healthcare and Education
The healthcare sector in Northwest Arkansas is welcoming several new professionals. Dr. Kristen A. Kassaw has joined the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine as the associate dean of student affairs and a professor. Dr. Kassaw brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston where she served as the associate dean for student affairs and a clinical associate professor.
In addition to Dr. Kassaw, Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville has expanded its team with two new advanced practice registered nursesAmanda Brouhard and Brandelein Stefonek. Both professionals come with extensive backgrounds in nursing, promising to enhance the quality of care at the medical center.
The education sector is also seeing significant changes. Dr. John Spollen has been promoted to executive associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine. Dr. Spollen’s previous role as associate dean for Northwest Arkansas has prepared him well for this new responsibility. Similarly, Dr. Leslie Stone has been appointed as the associate dean for Northwest Arkansas stepping up from her position as an associate professor in the department of family and preventive medicine.
Expanding Horizons in Construction and Nonprofit Sectors
The construction industry in Northwest Arkansas is undergoing a transformation with the appointment of Becky Gosnell as the business development manager at Buffalo Builders. Gosnell’s transition from her role as internal marketing director at C.R. Crawford Construction brings a new dynamic to the company’s growth strategies.
In the nonprofit sector, Ramsey Champagne has taken on the role of interim executive director at the Mount Sequoyah Center in Fayetteville. Champagne’s background as a consultant provides a unique perspective to the center’s operations. Additionally, Simone Terry has been appointed as the senior director of human resources at the Walton Arts Center bringing her extensive experience in human resources from her previous role at Regiment Security Partners.
Prominent Promotions and Awards
The retail sector has seen a significant promotion with Steve Blair becoming the vice president of people and culture at New Nexus Group. Blair’s previous role as chief people officer at Fulcrum Collective has equipped him with the skills necessary to drive cultural and organizational development.
In recognition of outstanding contributions, Ross Cully founder and CEO of Harvest Group has been awarded the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 for the Southwest region by EY. This prestigious award highlights Cully’s innovative leadership and impact on the retail industry. Similarly, Chris Moore a truck driver at Walmart Transportation has been honored as the 2026 Arkansas Grand Champion by the Arkansas Trucking Association recognizing his exceptional service in the transportation sector.
These appointments, promotions, and awards underscore the vibrant and evolving professional landscape of Northwest Arkansas. As new leaders step into their roles, the region continues to thrive and innovate across various sectors.
