Rooted in Arkansas.
Stories from the Natural State.

Arkansas Strong is a nonprofit platform sharing stories
rooted in the people and places that make Arkansas home.
We publish stories of faith, family, community, and daily life.

Our Mission

Share Arkansas stories and advance the Natural State.

Board of Directors

  • Jerry L. Malone

    Infrastructure policy expert & attorney; Former general counsel; Federal Highway Administration; Mentor for first-generation college students; Lives in Conway.
    Jerry is a dedicated civic leader and attorney committed to advancing community engagement and public policy in Arkansas. A former general counsel for the Federal Highway Administration, he has advised on transportation, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships at both state and federal levels. He has also served as chairman of the UCA Board of Trustees and has been actively involved in fostering civic participation through roundtable discussions and mentorship programs.
  • Linda Tyler

    Former Arkansas State Representative (D-Conway); Leader in healthcare, education & economic development; Board member, Conway Regional & Faulkner County Library; Lives in Conway
    Linda is a committed public servant and former Arkansas State Representative who has worked to improve education, healthcare, and economic development across the state. With a background in corporate leadership and extensive experience in nonprofit service, she has served on boards including Conway Regional Health System and the Faulkner County Library. Tyler remains deeply engaged in efforts to expand access to quality public services and create a stronger, more equitable Arkansas.
  • Patty Bates-Abraham

    Public school advocate & literacy volunteer; Elder, Second Presbyterian Church; Champion for equity & inclusion in Arkansas; Lives in Little Rock
    Patty is a passionate advocate for building a better Arkansas through education, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. She has served in key roles with organizations such as Just Communities of Arkansas and Second Presbyterian Church, working to foster equity and inclusion. A longtime champion of public education, she has supported initiatives that strengthen student achievement and expand opportunities for all Arkansas families. Her dedication to collaboration and service continues to drive meaningful change across the state.
  • Frederick Gentry

    Youngest-ever elected official in Jacksonville; Fair lending advocate & civic engagement leader; Former assistant to Little Rock City Board; Lives in Jacksonville
    A lifelong Arkansan, Frederick has dedicated his career to public service and advocacy. At 21, he became the youngest elected official in Jacksonville’s history, later working in local government roles, including as assistant to the Little Rock City Board and Special Projects Administrator for the City Manager’s Office. He has also worked on statewide policy reforms, helping to pass laws protecting low-income Arkansans from predatory lending. An Eagle Scout and active community leader, Gentry continues to champion initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and improve the lives of Arkansans.


Editor in Chief & Director of Programming

Jessica Crenshaw, jessica@arstrong.org


For press inquiries, partnerships, or story pitches, contact us at info@arstrong.org or jessica@arstrong.org.

For reprinting permission and guidelines, email jessica@arstrong.org.


Arkansas Strong is an Associate Member of the Arkansas Press Association.