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Ambassador Spotlights

Not pictured, but missed: Dr. Brook, Dr. Marques, Casey, Tessah, Austin

Discover the heart of Jonesboro through our Always Jonesboro Talent Ambassadors, local experts passionate about sharing the best our city has to offer. From thriving industries like manufacturing and healthcare to hidden gems in arts, culture, and recreation, our ambassadors provide insider tips on living, working, and playing in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Whether you’re relocating, job-hunting, or just exploring, get firsthand insights on everything! Each ambassador brings a unique perspective to showcase the vibrant lifestyle and opportunities that make Jonesboro a great place to call home. Looking to connect with local leaders or curious about what makes Jonesboro special? Follow their stories and find your place in our growing community.

HALEY: The Outdoor Enthusiast
ATIN: The Onboarding Aficionado
AMANDA: Family Fun Facilitator
RYAN: The ‘Gould Guru
BETHANY: Wellness Guide
PEDRO: Local Music Scene
AUSTIN: Fairway Friend
ALLISON: Dog Lover
PHILLIP: Manufacturing Insider
BROOK: Healthcare Visionary
TESSAH: Connecting Creatives
KANDI: Hotelier of Hospitality
SARAH: Downtown Informant
CORTNE: Farm Fan
ANA: Volunteer Duo
ERNESTO: Volunteer Duo
MARY HOLLIS: Theatre Kid-in-Chief
CARLITTA: Red Wolf Bridge Builder
ZACH: The Hilltop Artpreneur
KRISTEN: Slow Fashion & Fibers Curator
MARQUES: Gospel & Good Company
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Haley

The Outdoor Enthusiast

Haley grew up in a larger city but fell in love with Jonesboro's community feel when she came here for college. After a decade in Jonesboro, she cherishes the blend of "bigger city" amenities and "small town" charm. Passionate about outdoor activities, Haley values the city's parks and outdoor spaces, enjoying them as a walker, runner, biker, and pickleball player. She sees Jonesboro as a place where neighbors care for each other and where families can plant deep roots. Excited about the upcoming bike/pedestrian connectivity plan, Haley believes it will promote healthier, happier lives and bridge community divides. Her deep connection to Jonesboro is tied to her family roots and her time at A-State, where she and her sisters established their lives, continuing their tradition of supporting the Red Wolves.

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Atin

The Onboarding Aficionado

Atin is a dynamic young professional, world traveler, and dedicated community advocate in Jonesboro, Arkansas. As a transplant from Kuwait and a Canadian/British citizen, he brings a unique global perspective to the town. Atin holds an MBA from Arkansas State University and has been recognized with the prestigious Ed Way Young Professional Award. He serves in leadership roles with the Jonesboro Young Professionals Network and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he champions the interests of young professionals and fosters a welcoming environment for international students and newcomers. With a passion for cultural diversity and community engagement, Atin is committed to making Jonesboro a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving place to live.

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Amanda

Family Fun Facilitator

Amanda, a lifelong resident of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and the owner of Gearhead Outfitters, embodies the spirit and resilience of local business grit. With deep roots in the community and a family legacy spanning generations, Amanda is dedicated to showcasing Jonesboro as an ideal place to raise a family. As a Family Fun Facilitator, she is passionate about helping families connect with the city's myriad opportunities for fun and togetherness, making Jonesboro a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

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Ryan

The ‘Gould Guru

Ryan Vaughan is the Chief Meteorologist at KAIT8 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and a passionate advocate for the community of Paragould. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Ryan has made Northeast Arkansas his home, where he champions local initiatives, including foster care and adoption. Known as "The 'Gould Guru," Ryan is celebrated for his deep love for Paragould, his dedication to improving the region, and his enthusiasm for outdoor activities like cycling. With a strong sense of community and commitment to highlighting the area's strengths, Ryan plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent to the region through his ambassadorship with Always Jonesboro.

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Bethany

Wellness Guide

Bethany is a Physical Therapist, Yoga Teacher, and Wellness Educator who is passionate about connecting with the community and helping everyone embrace a healthier lifestyle. From yoga and pilates to nutrition and meditation, Bethany is here to show you the hidden gems of Jonesboro’s wellness scene. Get inspired to take care of your body, mind, and soul.

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Pedro

Local Music Scene

Having moved from Mexico to Jonesboro in 2002, Pedro knows the heartbeat of our city’s awesome music culture. From live performances at local spots to big festivals, he’s here to spotlight the incredible talent that makes Jonesboro sing. Got questions or want to dive deeper into the local music scene? Pedro’s your go-to guy!

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Austin

Fairway Friend

Austin Cook, a professional golfer and lifelong resident of Jonesboro, has proudly called the city home for 28 years. As Jonesboro’s “Fairway Friend,” he shares his passion for the city’s exceptional golf courses and the many exciting activities, shops, and restaurants it offers. When not on the course, Austin gives back through his work with the Special Olympics, showcasing his commitment to making Jonesboro a great place to live and thrive.

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Allison

Dog Lover

Allison is a passionate dog lover and a dedicated advocate for all things local in Jonesboro. She brings her love for the community and its four-legged friends to the forefront. Whether she’s exploring the city’s parks with her pups or connecting people to Jonesboro’s pet-friendly spots, Allison is committed to making the city a welcoming place for newcomers and long-time residents alike. Her enthusiasm for fostering a sense of belonging—both for people and their pets—makes her an integral part of the Always Jonesboro initiative.

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Phillip

Manufacturing Insider

As the Chief Development Officer at Hytrol, Phillip knows all about the pulse of the manufacturing industry here in Jonesboro. Manufacturing is one of the cornerstones of our city’s economy, driving growth and creating opportunities that make Jonesboro a thriving community. Phillip has been a part of this exciting progress, and he’s passionate about promoting our vibrant city—from Division 1 sports to local dining gems. We are honored to have Phillip as yet another outstanding guide to the best of what this amazing city has to offer!

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Brook

Healthcare Visionary

Dr. Laurent is a key figure at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, leading initiatives that shape the future of healthcare in our community. From her deep commitment to patient-centered care to her dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, Dr. Laurent embodies the spirit of innovation and compassion. Stay tuned as Dr. Laurent shares her insights on healthcare, wellness, and how our community is making a difference!

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Tessah

Connecting Creatives

Tessah is a digital marketing guru on a mission to bring together entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners in Jonesboro. Whether you’re new in town or just looking to grow your creative circle, Tessah’s got the inside scoop on how to do it. Let’s show her some love as she helps us connect with the people who make Jonesboro such a vibrant place to live, work, and create! Tessah’s roots run deep in Jonesboro, as her great-grandmother once called this area home. Now, she’s helping others find their place in this growing community.

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Kandi

Hotelier of Hospitality

Kandi is the ultimate go-to for all things hotel magic here in Jonesboro! 🏨 From check-in to checkout, Kandi brings world-class hospitality to everyone who visits! Follow along as Kandi joins us in discovering more about why more and more people are choosing to stay!

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Sarah

Downtown Informant

Sarah is the Executive Director of the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance and a passionate advocate for everything that makes downtown Jonesboro the heart of the city. Originally planning to make Jonesboro a short-term stop, she quickly fell in love with the city’s welcoming community, vibrant downtown scene, and small-town charm mixed with big-city amenities. Sarah believes downtown is the hub for local talent, offering everything from unique retail spots to standout restaurants and services. She envisions a bright future for Jonesboro, with a thriving downtown and a community that continues to grow and connect. Through her ambassadorship, Sarah hopes to showcase the importance of supporting local businesses and highlight the people who make Jonesboro such a special place to live, work, and play.

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Cortne

Farm Fan

Hailing from a farming family, Cortne knows that agriculture is more than just an industry – it’s a way of life and one of the pillars of our Jonesboro community. 🚜✨ She’s here to celebrate the hard work, innovation, and deep roots that make agriculture such a vital part of our city. Stay tuned as Cortne highlights the impact of farming in Jonesboro and shares why our agricultural community is one to be proud of. 🌱💚

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Ana+Ernesto

Volunteer Duo

Together, they embody the heart of giving back in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Ana loves Jonesboro for its unmatched sense of community and kindness. Ernesto, who first arrived for “just a summer” in 1997, has built his life, family, and career in this vibrant city. Both share a deep passion for helping others and are your ultimate guides to the many ways you can volunteer, give back, and make an impact in Jonesboro. From their involvement with United Way to their experiences with local nonprofits, Ana and Ernesto are here to inspire connection, service, and belonging in a city that thrives on community.

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Mary Hollis

Theatre Kid-in-Chief

From Bono to Hollywood, and back home again. Please welcome Mary Hollis, our official Theatre Kid-in-Chief. Actor. Mentor. Connector. Mary has worked coast-to-coast, and now she’s coming home with purpose, bringing experience, bold ideas, and serious creative energy back to Jonesboro. She believes deeply that more art makes a city stronger, and she’s building opportunities for artists of all ages right here. More art. More collaboration. More reasons to stay…or come back.

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Carlitta

Red Wolf Bridge Builder

Dr. Carlitta M. Moore is the Vice Chancellor for Access and Institutional Engagement at Arkansas State University and serves as the Always Jonesboro Red Wolf Bridge Builder. A nationally recognized leader in higher education, she advances cultures rooted in access, belonging, and engagement by intentionally connecting campus and community. Deeply committed to civic involvement, health equity, and professional leadership, Dr. Moore is passionate about helping students experience Jonesboro beyond campus, linking them to local businesses, community organizations, and civic spaces, while also encouraging the community to see students as future leaders, neighbors, and contributors. Through her partnership with Always Jonesboro, she is building meaningful pathways where opportunity, connection, and impact come together, making Jonesboro a place where Red Wolves can truly belong, lead, and thrive.

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Zach

The Hilltop Artpreneur

Zach is a proud Jonesboro native and one of the creative forces helping shape the energy of the Hilltop neighborhood. As the owner of Bearded Bouquet, he’s investing in a part of town that’s quickly becoming a hub for small businesses, personality, and local pride. Zach believes creatives don’t have to leave to build something meaningful; they can plant roots right here. As Always Jonesboro’s Hilltop Artpreneur, he brings a fun, welcoming spirit and a passion for growing the artistic and entrepreneurial heartbeat of Jonesboro.

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Kristen

Slow Fashion & Fibers Curator

Kristen is a professional artist, Professor of Drawing and Fiber Art at Arkansas State University, and the Gallery Director at the Fine Arts Center. As the Slow Fashion & Fibers Curator Ambassador for Always Jonesboro, she is passionate about educating the community on sustainable fashion, craftsmanship, and the cultural stories woven into textiles. Kristen is passionate about connecting the university with the wider Jonesboro community through creative collaborations with local businesses, students, and artists. She’s excited to develop new events centered on recycled fashion, flowers, and the intersection of art and wellness, she is committed to enriching the community through creativity, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships.

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Marques

Gospel & Good Company

A new voice in Jonesboro… and he’s bringing the energy. Dr. Marques J. Ruff spends his days shaping the next generation of musicians as Associate Director of Choral Activities at Arkansas State University. Recently, he also stepped in to lead the A-State gospel choir, United Voices, and the sound coming out of that room is something special. But for Marques, music is about more than performance. It’s about people. As our Gospel & Good Company Ambassador, he’s passionate about helping Jonesboro continue to grow as a place where connection happens naturally, where young professionals, creatives, and singles can find their community and build their chosen family. Expect great music, great company, and maybe even a few creative ways to meet new people along the way. Reach out to him if you’re passionate about any of this as well!

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