our team

Meet the team that drives our work to advance solution that end hunger and its root causes.

A person with long dark hair and glasses is smiling, wearing a black jacket over a light-colored top. They are standing indoors with a blurred view of large windows and a bright sky in the background.

Sylvia Blain

Chief Executive Officer

sblain@arhungeralliance.org

Sylvia Blain is a leader in Arkansas’s hunger relief and local food systems, with more than 22 years of experience across the nonprofit and government sectors. She has served as Executive Director of Potluck Food Rescue, the Arkansas Local Foods Initiative, and the Dunbar Garden, leading efforts to bring community gardens and farmers markets to underserved neighborhoods and provide fresh food to thousands of families annually.

During her seven years at Potluck Food Rescue, Sylvia increased the organization’s impact by more than 500 percent, expanding service to hunger relief agencies across six counties. She also helped establish Arkansas’s first Food Policy Council and currently serves on multiple boards and committees focused on improving food access statewide.

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Meet our Team

TEMEKA WILLIAMS

Chief Operating Officer
twilliams@arhungeralliance.org

PATTY BARKER

No Kid Hungry Campaign Director
pbarker@arhungeralliance.org

CATHY MAY

Director of SNAP & WIC Programs
cmay@arhungeralliance.org

VALENTINA SIMON

SNAP Outreach Specialist
vsimon@arhungeralliance.org

SAMANTHA COLLINS

Development & Member Services Manager
scollins@arhungeralliance.org

Jennifer Owens Buie

Chief Development Officer
jowensbuie@arhungeralliance.org

Jami Kirksey

Director of Programs
jkirksey@arhungeralliance.org

BRANDON CHAPMAN

Agricultural Programs Manager
bchapman@arhungeralliance.org

Liam Hankins-hull

Program Education & Outreach Manager
lhankinshull@arhungeralliance.org

Jessica Chapman

Communications and Community Outreach Manager
jchapman@arhungeralliance.org

MICHELLE SHOPE

Director of Food Access & Systems
mshope@arhungeralliance.org

LANCE WHITNEY

Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
lwhitney@arhungeralliance.org

Alex Hendrickson

Community Food Systems Program Manager
ahendrickson@arhungeralliance.org

Laken Ross

Meet our Board of Directors

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about our board

The Alliance’s Board of Directors includes the chief operating officers of the six Feeding America food banks, members from the public and private business sectors, policymakers and advocates, as well as direct relief providers. Each Board member serves on at least one committee, and the committees reflect our expanded role in education, public awareness, advocacy, policy, food sourcing and distribution.

Executive Committee

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president

Christie Jordan, Food Bank of North East Arkansas

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past president

John Bethel, Entergy Arkansas, LLC

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SECRETARY

Becky Barnes Campbell, Campbell Ward

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treasurer

Joe Verser, Arvest Bank

Board Members

John Bethel 
Entergy Arkansas, LLC
Little Rock, AR

Brian Burton
Arkansas Foodbank
Little Rock, AR

Becky Barnes Campbell
Campbell Ward
North Little Rock, AR

Camille Coker-Wrinkle
Harvest Regional Food Bank
Texarkana, AR

Eddie Davis
Common Spirit
Little Rock, AR

Tim Grailer
Tyson
Springdale, AR

Hattie Hamilton
River Valley Regional Food Bank
Fort Smith, AR

Russ Hannah
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR

Dr. Chris Jones
Little Rock, AR

Christie Jordan
Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas
Jonesboro, AR

Cori Keller
Baptist Health
Sherwood, AR

Will Montgomery
Orion Performance Group
Little Rock, AR

Jeff Quick
Food Bank of North Central Arkansas
Mountain Home, AR

Taylor Speegle
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
Springdale, AR

Rachel Spencer
Walmart
Bentonville, AR

Joe Verser
Arvest Bank
Jonesboro, AR

Pending

Honorary board Members

Kathy Webb
Little Rock

Statement on Board Member Civic Engagement and Nonpartisanship

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance regularly collaborates with leaders from all walks of life—including business, education, and public service—who share our mission to end hunger in Arkansas.

At the Alliance, we believe that lasting change begins with people who care deeply about their communities. Our Board of Directors reflects that belief—each member brings a spirit of service, compassion, and leadership to the fight against hunger in Arkansas.

From time to time, some of our board members may choose to run for or serve in public office. We view this civic engagement as an extension of their commitment to strengthening communities across our state.

While we value and respect this dedication to public service, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance remains a strictly nonpartisan organization. Our mission is singular: ensuring that every Arkansan has access to enough nutritious food.

We do not support or oppose any political candidates or parties, and the Alliance does not endorse candidates for public office. Any political activities undertaken by board members are done in their personal capacity and do not represent the Alliance’s views or positions.

Our advocacy and programs are always grounded in collaboration, data-driven solutions, and shared purpose—because hunger can only be ended when we work together, across all lines of difference, for the common good.

Contact

200 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1300
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201

Info@arhungeralliance.org

501-399-9999

501-399-9996

Newsletter

The Alliance Alert goes out to members, advocates and others who want to stay up on hunger issues in Arkansas. See our latest newsletter.

© 2026 Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance