Two north-central Arkansas natives, Amy Finster and Russell Harris, will receive top honors at the annual Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) awards luncheon on Monday, August 24. The event is part of AEDCE’s 10th Anniversary Conference, "Business in the 'Boro," which runs August 23–25 at Embassy Suites in Jonesboro.
Amy Finster, the community development director for FARCO and Precise Contractors, will be recognized as Volunteer of the Year. A first-generation college graduate and registered dietitian, Finster began her professional journey at White River Health before transitioning into community development and construction. As director of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, she has helped grow the event into a major state attraction, drawing over 20,000 visitors annually while bolstering local tourism, agriculture, and charity initiatives.
In the aftermath of the EF3 tornado that struck Cave City in 2025, Finster organized the community's volunteer and donation efforts, providing vital recovery aid to affected families. Her fundraising efforts have generated over $90,000 for local school food pantries through the White River Health 5K. Additionally, Finster supports public safety through events like the Cave City Easter Run, serves as vice president of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation, and holds leadership roles on various committees in Cave City and Batesville.
Russell Harris of Entergy Arkansas will receive the Maria Haley Lifetime Leadership for Economic Development Award. Harris oversees relationships with Entergy’s largest industrial clients, focusing on projects that enhance reliability and foster economic growth. Before his role at Entergy, Harris served as executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission, where he secured infrastructure funding for new job creation and led revitalization initiatives.
Previously, Harris worked at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, managing projects across a 16-county region. His efforts contributed to the creation of over 3,300 jobs and $270 million in capital investments. He also played a key role in redesigning the Arkansas Communities of Excellence program. Harris holds degrees in political science and public administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and an alumnus of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIV.
The annual awards recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to Arkansas’s economic development, community leadership, and volunteerism, reflecting AEDCE’s commitment to fostering growth in the state.