CONWAY, Ark. -- Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA), an organization focused on strengthening economic opportunity in Arkansas by investing in university-based research, has appointed Sonja Hubbard, CEO of E-Z Mart Stores Inc., as chairman of its board of trustees.
Texarkana, Texas-based E-Z Mart, which was founded in Nashville, Ark., is one of the largest privately held convenience-store chains in America. It operates 285 stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Hubbard, who has been involved with ARA since 2011, will provide leadership to the 22-member board made up of 17 Arkansas business executives and chancellors of the state’s five research universities.
“Arkansas Research Alliance is privileged to have one of the strongest boards in the state, and we are thrilled that Sonja Hubbard has stepped into the role of chairman. I’m more confident than ever that ARA is positioned to help Arkansas excel by advancing opportunities in the areas of research, commercialization and job creation," said Jerry Adams, president and CEO of ARA.
“ARA is an incredible asset to Arkansas that helps facilitate and support work that ultimately gives us a competitive advantage,” said Hubbard. “The impact this organization has, especially its focus on science and technology research, will have far reaching impact for many years to come. It’s an honor for me to represent the vibrant business community in Arkansas and serve as chairman of our board of trustees.”
In addition to Hubbard’s new role, ARA announced four new members to its board of trustees:
- Todd Hillman, vice president of MISO South, Little Rock.
- Gaylon Lawrence Jr., partner at The Lawrence Group, Wilson.
- Michelle Hargis Wolfe, vice president of human resources for Walmart Leverage Division, Bentonville.
- Joseph Steinmetz, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Also serving on the ARA board:
- Laurence Alexander, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
- Joel Anderson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
- Ritter Arnold, president of E. Ritter & Co., Jonesboro.
- Hal Carper, group vice president for R&D and logistics and technical services for Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale.
- Andrew Clyde, president and CEO, Murphy USA Inc., El Dorado.
- Ray Dillon, president and CEO of Deltic Timber Corp., El Dorado.
- Ed Drilling, president of AT&T Arkansas.
- Tim Hudson, chancellor of Arkansas State University, Jonesboro.
- Roger Jenkins, president and CEO of Murphy Oil Corp., El Dorado.
- Tommy May, chairman and CEO of Simmons First Foundation, Pine Bluff.
- Hugh McDonald, president and CEO of Entergy, Little Rock.
- Charles Nabholz, president and CEO of The Nabholz Group, Conway.
- Dan Rahn, chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
- John Roberts, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Lowell.
- Reynie Rutledge, president of the First Security Bank, Searcy.
- Robert Shoptaw, retired CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Little Rock.
- Dan Williams, CEO of Garver, North Little Rock.
ARA’s partnerships with University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Arkansas at Little Rock helps fund research for seven ARA Scholars and nine ARA Fellows. Research conducted by these nationally and internationally recognized researchers is broad, with focus areas ranging from experimental cardiovascular surgery and stem cell research to energy storage and advanced membrane-based separation processes for applications in water treatment and biofuel production.
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