Our Staff

Randy Zook - President/CEORandy Zook
President/CEO

Randy directs the operation of the State Chamber/AIA, which serves as the home of Arkansas’s business community. He previously was Deputy Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. A native of McGehee, Zook is a 1966 graduate of the University of Arkansas where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining AEDC, he spent nearly 34 years with the Atlantic Envelope Company of Atlanta, serving as president and chief executive officer of the $200 million company from 1989 to 2004. After his retirement, he began his second career involved in economic development efforts. In 2006, he served as chairman of the Central Ozarks Task Force for Economic Development. 

 

Kenneth R. Hall, J.D. Executive Vice PresidentKenneth R. Hall, J.D.
Executive Vice President

As chief lobbyist, Kenny represents the positions of the two organizations on issues related to, and focusing on, the enhancement of a quality business climate in Arkansas before selected government entities, including the legislature, the governor's office and various state agencies, committees and boards. He helps develop and implement State Chamber/AIA legislative strategies and is responsible for enlisting support for these goals. Kenny coordinates the activities of the State Chamber/AIA issue committees.     

 



Susie Marks - Senior Vice President - ProgramsSusie Marks
Senior Vice President – Programs

Susie oversees the State Chamber/AIA’s membership and programs, including Leadership Arkansas, and continues her roles as Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Developers (AED) and the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). She is responsible for enriching and adding to AED and ACCE programs, providing services to local chambers including: coordinating board retreats, implementing programs, providing consulting services, strategic planning, membership development, fund-raising programs and assisting with membership services and initiatives.     

 


Angela DeLille - Director of Governmental AffairsAngela DeLille
Director of Governmental Affairs

Angela works with the Executive Vice President to enhance the business climate in Arkansas by representing the positions of the two organizations before entities that include the following: committees, boards, various state agencies, the governor's office and the legislature. She helped the State Chamber/AIA establish a permanent presence in Northwest Arkansas by moving there in 2007. Angela works out of an office at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

 



Jeff Thatcher - Director of Communications Jeff Thatcher
Director of Communications

Jeff is responsible for developing, directing and overseeing the State Chamber/AIA’s general marketing, communications and branding, publications, the website and other electronic communications technology, media and public relations. He also works to secure non-dues revenue via sponsorships and advertising. Jeff has extensive experience in the media, for-profit and non-profit sectors.

 

 

 

Deb Mathis - Manager, Scheduling & Events

Deb Mathis
Manager, Scheduling & Events

Deb coordinates many of the details of the organizations' events and scheduling, while also supporting its communications and marketing efforts. A former teacher, she performs, coordinates and oversees technical and office administrative duties in support of the President & CEO.     

 

 

 

Marcus Turley - Membership Development RepresentativeMarcus Turley
Membership Development Representative

Marcus is responsible for new business development and retention of existing State Chamber/AIA members. He previously worked for the City of Dallas, Texas, as the executive assistant to the director of development services.     

 

 

 

Bill Watson - Sales Representative

Bill Watson
Sales Representative

Bill is responsible for sales of sponsorships and advertising to State Chamber/AIA members. He previously worked as Vice President Membership Development for the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.     

 

 

 

Sue Weatter - Program Director, Governor’s Quality Award

Sue Weatter
Program Director, Governor’s Quality Award

Sue plans, organizes, directs and coordinates programs and activities of the Governor’s Quality Award program, which was developed to provide opportunities for all organizations in the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence. A former small business owner, she is responsible for cultivation and management of volunteers and cultivation of award applicants as well as corporate donors.

 

 

Joanne Douglas - Administrative Assistant

Joanne Douglas
Administrative Assistant

Joanne works the front desk answering calls, developing databases, distributing mail and depositing checks – among other duties. A former special education teacher, she also has chamber and volunteer experience.