Dani Pugsley, President and CEO of the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve on the 2027 board of directors for the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE). Pugsley will represent the 1st Congressional District on the statewide board, which plays a key role in fostering economic and community development across Arkansas.
The AEDCE announced its new board members following its annual meeting on August 25. The meeting was held as part of the group’s 10th annual conference in Jonesboro. Newly elected officers and directors will begin their terms on January 1, 2027.
AEDCE is the professional association for economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas, providing resources, networking opportunities, professional development, and education aimed at strengthening communities and the state’s economy. Candice Lawrence, executive director of AEDCE, emphasized the importance of collaboration among economic leaders, stating that “strong communities and a strong Arkansas economy depend on leaders who are willing to share their expertise, collaborate across regions, and work together toward opportunities that benefit our entire state.”
Pugsley is one of several leaders elected to represent their respective regions on the 2027 board. Other district directors include Jarod Wickliffe of the Little Rock Regional Chamber (2nd District), Sara Lynn Geiger of the Rogers Lowell Chamber (3rd District), and Steven Jones of the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce (4th District). Additionally, Venesha Sasser of the Lafayette County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation and Darryl Treat of the Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce were selected as at-large directors.
Allison Hestand of the Paragould Regional Chamber will lead the board as president in 2027. Other officers include Megan Selman of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce as first vice president, Leo Cummings III of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce as second vice president, and Anna Lee Powell of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation as secretary and treasurer.
In addition to her role with the Mountain Home Chamber, Pugsley also leads the North Central Arkansas Economic Alliance, the Chamber’s economic development division. Earlier this year, she earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council, a distinction recognizing her expertise in the field.