NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation (ATDF) announced on September 29 the election of the new 2025-2027 officers and board members. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting and advancing Arkansas’ tourism industry, one of the state’s leading economic drivers.
Explore Harrison executive director, Matt Bell, was chosen as one of the 2025-2027 Board of Directors.
Bell said, "This is a great honor to be chosen for the Board of Directors. I've worked for 16 years with this group and highly respect what they do for our state. I'm thrilled to be involved in a new way and excited to see how I can benefit our state and community."
The Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation supports the growth and promotion of Arkansas’ tourism industry through leadership, education, and development opportunities. By fostering collaboration among tourism professionals, the Foundation helps strengthen one of Arkansas’s largest industries, which generates billions annually in economic impact for the state.
2025–2027 Officers
Immediate Past President – Jim Shamburger, Best Western Winner’s Circle, Hot Springs
President – Karen Trevino, North Little Rock Tourism
1st Vice President – Chet Patel, Pinnacle Hotel Group
2nd Vice President – Kalene Griffith, Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Secretary – Gina Gemberling, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
Treasurer – Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek
Ex-Officio – Darin Gray, CJRW
Ex-Officio – Bill Barnes, Mountain Harbor Resort
2025–2027 Board of Directors: The following industry leaders have been elected to serve on the board:
Austin Albers, Buffalo Outdoor Center
Blair Allen, Goff & Associates
Leigh Anderson, Heart of Arkansas
Matt Bell, Explore Harrison
Joy Blankenship, Downtown Pine Bluff Partnership
Joe DeVito, Ozark Mountain Region
Cathy Drew, Ozark Gateway Region
David Egleston, Iron Mountain Resort
Clint Gaston, Gaston’s White River Resort
Christie Graham, Russellville A & P
Paul Henley,
Eric Jackson, Oaklawn
Jim Jackson, West Memphis Tourism
Becki Lewis, Wyndham Riverfront
Jack Moyer, Crescent Hotel
Maryl Purvis, Van Buren A & P
Renee Robison, Grand Prairie Arts Center
J.R. Shaw, Rogers A & P
Rachel Shaw, Conway A & P
Sheri Storie, Pine Bluff, A & P
Susan West, AR Tech
Randy Wolfinbarger, Best Western Inn of the Ozarks