PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Our Chamber team stands ready to assist and engage our members in our
many events and volunteer opportunities.

Bill Rogers, IOM
Bill Rogers, IOM
President

Bill grew up in Monticello, Arkansas, and has worked for the Chamber since 1998. He has been a Public Relations professional since 1981, spending 17 years in the Media Relations Department for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas, is a 2002 graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. In 2007, Bill graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management. In his free time, you can find Bill playing golf, officiating basketball games or traveling.

bill@chamber.springdale.com

Sarah Gordley, IOM
Sarah Gordley, IOM
Senior Vice President

A member of the Chamber team since 2004, Sarah oversees all Chamber events and programs, handles accounts payable, accounts receivable and the billing of events, sponsorships and memberships. A graduate of the University of Arkansas where she currently is pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration, she completed the U.S. Chamber Institute of Organizational Management at the University of Arizona in 2016. She is also a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Arkansas program. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her six amazing nephews.

sarah@chamber.springdale.com

Rhonda Hughes, IOM
Rhonda Hughes, IOM
VP of Operations

Rhonda has worked for the Chamber since 1981. She wears many hats at the Chamber and is responsible for the Chamber’s operations. In her spare time, Rhonda enjoys reading and watching Lifetime and Hallmark movies. Rhonda is known for being one of Elvis Presley’s biggest fans.

rhonda@chamber.springdale.com

Ginger LaMar, IOM
Ginger LaMar, IOM
VP of Workforce Development

Ginger moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2018 from Joplin, Missouri, bringing with her 19+ years of Chamber experience, consisting of embracing alliances, fostering partnerships, collaborating with business leaders, being the connector of community and representing the Chamber at the state and national levels.

Her focus at the Springdale Chamber is to work with the business community for membership recruitment, retention, and increasing visibility through sponsorship opportunities. She and her husband Brian both grew up in Russell, Kansas, and she enjoys going to the beach, going to concerts, spending time with her family, and living a purposeful life.

ginger@chamber.springdale.com

 

Jay Sego, MBA
Jay Sego, MBA
VP of Economic Development

Jay joined the Chamber in December 2022 and is an accomplished teambuilder with more than 20 years experience leading small and large organizations. The son of entrepreneurial parents, he was raised in two retail businesses focused on superior customer service in Northwest Arkansas. His foundational lessons learned in family small business ownership guided Jay through a career in the U.S. Navy serving on multiple ships, naval installations, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. Returning home in 2020, he is passionate about leveraging his unique experiences to contribute to Springdale’s continued growth and development.

Jay earned his undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma and his MBA in Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He has completed an Executive Legislative Fellowship serving for U.S. Senator Susan Collins and a Public Policy Fellowship at Duke University. At home, Jay enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, extended family and friends.

jay@chamber.springdale.com

Wesley Oliver
Wesley Oliver
Director of Tourism & Communications

Wes is a native of Charleston, SC, who moved to NWA in 2020. He studied Classics and History at the College of Charleston and is a passionate rower who previously ran the Charleston City Rowing Club, a 501(c)(3) youth and adult sports organization. Currently he rows with the Rowing Club of Northwest Arkansas at Lake Fayetteville. Since moving to NWA he has become a dedicated bicycle commuter on the fantastic trail system. Wes has a wife and daughter who keep him busy and is an avid science fiction reader.

wesley@chamber.springdale.com

Lisa Garner
Lisa Garner
Director of Member Engagement
Caroline Ceola
Caroline Ceola
Community Outreach Specialist

Being from Northwest Arkansas, Caroline values the importance in giving back to the community who helped raise her. She graduated from Har-Ber High school and continued her education at the University of Arkansas majoring in Hospitality Management. Creating connections and being a resource to businesses and individuals are what she’s most excited for by working at the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband are natives to Tontitown, Arkansas and enjoy spending time with their family, friends, and community and creating lifelong memories with their biggest pride and joy, Olivia.

Caroline@chamber.springdale.com

Alejandra Rubio
Alejandra Rubio
Graphic Designer

Alejandra grew up in Springdale and has called the area her home since 1999. Her favorite thing about living in the area all these years has been seeing the growth and development of the city as it’s continued to grow in population and diversity. She graduated from Northwest Arkansas Community College with an Associate of Arts in 2015 and from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 2019. Alejandra considers herself an art enthusiast and believes that creativity and innovative thinking are some of the greatest tools when working on community engagement. Some topics that she is enthusiastic to talk about are all things Disney franchise, from Disney Studios and Pixar to Marvel and Star Wars, she’s happy to chat any time!

alejandra@chamber.springdale.com

Jared Sullivan
Jared Sullivan
Videographer

Jared grew up in Wisconsin, and moved from Kansas City to the Springdale area in 2023. He graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Digital Video Production and has since worked in various aspects of the film and marketing industries, including a Regional Emmy Award winning television show, Cook and Belle’s Playhouse. Jared loves telling the stories of people and using video to spread ideas and innovation in business and beyond. In his free time Jared enjoys hiking, skateboarding, and spending time with his wife, dog, and two cats.

Grace Kennon
Grace Kennon
Community Outreach Assistant

Grace Kennon, a college student who’s passionate about Communications and will be graduating in May 2024. Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Grace is a proud graduate of Northside High School. She loves to travel and meet new people. Exploring different places and making connections with individuals from various backgrounds is something that truly excites her. Her love for meeting new people extends beyond her academic pursuits, as she actively seeks opportunities to engage with others. Grace finds joy in outdoor activities, embracing the beauty of nature and adventure. Grace is a vibrant individual who values relationships with friends and family. Her warm and welcoming personality, combined with her communication skills, makes her a natural connector in any setting.

grace@chamber.springdale.com