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

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.
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
Program Manager
lross@arhungeralliance.org
Meet our Board of Directors
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
president
Christie Jordan, Food Bank of North East Arkansas
past president
John Bethel, Entergy Arkansas, LLC
SECRETARY
Becky Barnes Campbell, Campbell Ward
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
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.
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