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Leading in One of the Nation’s Fastest-growing Metropolitan Areas

Fueled by an amazing entrepreneurial spirit, Northwest Arkansas emerged from modest beginnings to become one of the nation's most dynamic economic regions. A unique confluence of business and education power the area. With more than 500,000 residents, a median workforce age of 33.1, compared to the national average of 37.2, northwest Arkansas is among the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The region is increasing jobs at a faster rate than most metropolitan areas in the U.S.  What does this mean for business leaders in the region?  Mike Malone, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, will discuss the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed for Northwest Arkansas to remain a great place to live, work and raise families.

SPEAKER-MIKE MALONE, President/CEO, NWA COUNCIL

Mike Malone is the President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council.  Established in 1990, the Council works to identify regional challenges and solutions for this fast-growing and dynamic region.  During his more than eight years leading the Council, Mr. Malone worked to bring solutions to regional infrastructure, economic development and education challenges facing Northwest Arkansas.

From 2009-2013, Mr. Malone also served as a Member of the Arkansas Lottery Commission, a nine-member public board charged with establishing and overseeing the operations of lotteries in the State of Arkansas.  During his term, more than $300 million was raised for higher education scholarships for Arkansans.

Prior to working for the Northwest Arkansas Council, he was employed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in Washington, DC.  During the Clinton Administration, Mr. Malone worked at the White House for six years in various roles including Deputy Assistant to the President for Management and Administration. 

Mr. Malone serves on numerous state and local boards including the NWACC Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, the AHEC-NW Advisory Board, the Arkansas Capital Corporation’s Board of Directors, Accelerate Arkansas’ Executive Committee, the Men’s Advisory Council of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and the NWA Naturals’ Advisory Committee.  Previously, Mr. Malone also served on the Fayetteville Public Library’s Board of Trustees and the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Healthcare. 

Mr. Malone was recognized as a member of the Northwest Arkansas 40 Under 40 class of 2007, the Arkansas 40 Under 40 class of 2008 and is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas class VIII.

Mr. Malone resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his wife, Allyson Malone and their two children, Olivia and Mia.

Program has been approved for 1 Hour of Credit by the HR Certification Institute.