A group of nearly 200 community leaders from across Arkansas and nine other states—Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Tennessee—participated in the 39th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). The five-day training session, held July 28 through August 1, concluded with a graduation and awards ceremony.
Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) Jon Chadwell received the Bill Miller Award as recognition for his leadership and support of CDI. The Bill Miller Community Development Award recognizes an individual who has had a significant, positive impact on UCA’s Community Development Institute. Chadwell is a 1997 graduate of the Community Development Institute, and has served as a CDI speaker and CDI Advisory Board member. In addition to his work at the NEDC, Chadwell has been a community development champion in positions such as: a Main Street director, Chamber Director, facilitator of two adult leadership programs, facilitator of a youth leadership program, and he has served in multiple positions in ministry settings. The Newport Economic Development Commission is the third economic development group he has guided.
CDI Director Shelby Fiegel said, “Jon is one of our biggest CDI champions. We are fortunate to be connected to him. His work in Newport has had a profound impact on the community; from job creation, quality of life and place initiatives, the development of the Delta Arts Festival, innovations in education, and much more. Jon not only serves as a leader for Newport, but he is also a tireless advocate for rural communities across our state.”
The CDI 2025 graduating class chose Amanda Killingsworth, Entergy, and Jamie Smith, Elkins Community Network, as the Ernest Whitelaw Award recipients. The Ernest Whitelaw Award recognizes an individual for exemplifying the following points: dedication to professional community development practice; proven involvement in the CDI educational experience, demonstrated by enthusiastic individual and group class participation, willingness to assume leadership roles and regular class attendance; a spirit of caring and inclusion shown by a willingness to assist, enable and involve fellow students in the CDI experience; and strong personal integrity.
Savanna Neal, Alma Chamber of Commerce, was chosen by her cohort as the CDI Year 1 Champion and Nick Stevens, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center was chosen by his cohort as the CDI Year 2 Champion.
Fifty-three (53) leaders graduated from the Community Development Institute.
In addition to the graduation and awards ceremony, the week’s activities featured Zachary Benedict, AIA of MKM architecture + design as the keynote speaker. Participants also participated in several simulations, case studies and leadership development activities. A group of CDI graduates called the CDI Advanced Year also worked directly with Keo and Lonoke to explore their communities and engage in discussions about their future community and economic development efforts.
2025 Community Development Institute Graduates:
- Amanda Killingsworth, Entergy
- Amanda J. Allen, Delta Regional Authority
- Amy Drummonds, Springdale, AR
- Araina Reaves, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
- Brooke Bergeron, South Central Planning and Development Commission
- Christine Gronwald, City of Maumelle
- Christy Goss, Pearl River County
- Corey Spangler, City of Cabot
- Courtney Ruble, City of Ward
- Daisy Bonilla, Valle Pino Foundation
- David Faulk, City of Prairie Grove
- Dustin Phy, City of Pea Ridge
- Ezequiel Tovar, Elkins Community Network
- James Bell, Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation
- Jamie Smith, Elkins Community Network and Elkins Planning Commission
- Jessica Wright, Winrock International
- Jordan Reynolds, City of Bryant
- Judith Yanez, RootED Northwest Arkansas
- Kadrianne Harrison, Little Rock Fire Department
- Kaitlyn Nolker, City of Alma
- Kaleb Posey, Mayflower Area Chamber of Commerce
- Katie Hardy, Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development
- Kayla Knight, City of Centerton
- Keegan Stanton, City of Pea Ridge
- Kelly Rich, Downtown Fayetteville Coalition
- Latriana Robertson, Simmons Bank
- Lori White, Southwest Arkansas Planning & Development District
- Lydia Alston, Community Development NWA
- Malinda McSpadden, Hometown Alma
- Mallory Barker , Walton Arts Center
- Marcia White, Simmons Bank
- Mary Eakin, ADH- Hometown Health
- Mat Faulkner, City of Searcy
- Matt Gregory, Entergy
- Melanie Watson, UCA Conference Services
- Michael Hill, City of Hot Springs
- Michelle Viney, Communities Unlimited
- Nathan See, City of Pea Ridge
- Patrick Deakins, Washington County
- Philip Powell, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
- Phyllis Thompson, Van Buren Chamber
- Raymond Whiteside, Main Street West Memphis
- Richard Weaver, City of Greenbrier
- Ross Phillips, Rogers-Lowell Chamber
- Stacey Daughtery, Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce
- Stacy Morris, Main Street Siloam Springs
- Steven Craig, City of Vilonia
- Taryn Golden, Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce
- Trace Henley, Health Partners
- Trish Ouei, Beaver Water District
- Troy Reed, City of Elkins
- Vernice Nazare King, PlaceForResources
- Wesley White, Entergy
For more information about CDI, visit uca.edu/cdi.
About CDI
The Community Development Institute, established in 1987 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, trains community and economic development professionals from Arkansas and surrounding states. The complete CDI experience is a three-year training program, with five days of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.
Award Winners
