Our Team
We are a group of devoted Arkansans committed to preserving the natural beauty of our beloved Natural State. Together, we strive to make a positive impact, facilitating conservation projects and community involvement. Get to know the faces driving our mission forward, as we work hand in hand to ensure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Billy Ray, director of Human Resources Administration for Saracen Casino Resort, is a proud native and product of the Arkansas Delta. Receiving his college education from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas in Helena and later Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Billy knew he wanted to return home to the Delta. He began his career in gaming fresh out of college working in marketing for a Mississippi casino and for a short while in human resources before following his desire to give back to his home county and pursuing a career in community and economic development leading a small chamber. While in this role, Billy graduated from the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course and the three-year Community Development Institute (CDI) where he was chosen by his peers as recipient of the annual Ernest Whitelaw Award for his respected leadership. Following his completion of the three-year program, Billy was asked to return the following year and serve as CDI Advanced Year Class director. After a stint in economic and community development, Billy returned to the gaming industry working his way through various positions in human resources with two different casinos in Mississippi until he saw an opportunity to work in his home state as Saracen Annex posted for opening positions ultimately being hired as human resources manager. Since being at Saracen from the beginning, Billy has played a key role in not only helping to manage current human resources operations and workforce needs but preparing to open Saracen Casino Resort by helping to recruit, train and hire hundreds of staff. His current duties include managing human resource operations, employee relations, HRIS functions, and ensuring compliance and reporting, and helping to formulate policies and procedures. Billy has earned his professional certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) accredited by the Human Resources Certification Institute and is a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Arkansas program as a proud member of Class XVII where he was selected by his peers as the class representative. Billy enjoys traveling and exploring The Natural State; from his roots in The Delta, to the woodlands of the South, to America’s First National River (The Buffalo River) in the North, to the Diamond Lake region of the Quachitas and all areas in between and beyond. Billy, an avid Razorbacks fan, makes his home in Stuttgart (Arkansas County) where he’s situated halfway between his roots and family in Phillips County and his career located in Jefferson County. Billy is a member of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association.
With more than a decade of experience in healthcare and community engagement, Amy Finster has built her career on strengthening connections between people, organizations, and the places they call home. After serving as a Dietitian and Community Engagement Manager at White River Health, Amy transitioned into the construction industry, where she now serves as Community Development Director for FARCO and Precise Contractors in Batesville, AR. In addition to her professional role, Amy is the Director of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, where she works to preserve traditions while building community pride through one of the state’s most beloved annual events. Her diverse background in healthcare, construction, and event management gives her a unique perspective on community development. Amy is passionate about creating meaningful partnerships, supporting local initiatives, and ensuring projects align with the values and needs of Arkansas communities.
Tom Arens is the Chief Technology Officer at ARcare. Before he became CTO in April 2022, Tom was the SVP of technology. There, he oversaw the end-to-end running, monitoring, and maintaining ARcare’s network and IT operations, as well as critical facilities and emergency management. Tom created a patient-centric technology organization that leverages the power of people, processes, and technology to deliver efficient and effective patient care. Prior to joining ARcare, Tom began his IT career with Tyson Foods as an SAP programmer, developing financial applications for Tyson’s domestic and international business segments. During his time at Tyson, Tom also worked in both the HR and sustainability groups, developing business intelligence tools used for enterprise reporting and analytics. He also worked as senior director of technology and analytics for Acorn Influence, a company that facilitates influencer marketing with national and international brands. He was then hired as the vice president of technology by Infinity Care Solution, which was soon purchased by ARcare. Tom has a Master of Business Administration from Harding University and a bachelor of science in business administration degree from the University of Arkansas. He’s a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and he enjoys spending his free time riding motorcycles and tinkering with tech.
Colbie Jones is the associate environment administrator for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Prior to joining DEQ in February of 2024, Jones served as the youngest director to lead the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission (KAB). Under her leadership, KAB set new records recruiting volunteers and cleanup events in all 75 counties, the first to occur in KAB history. Additionally, volunteerism increased from an average of 14,000 volunteers to 22,000 statewide. KAB also launched new programs, a new book The Great Garden Mystery, worked to re-establish the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation and partnered with the Clinton School of Public Service for a statewide research project on the behaviors of littering. During her tenure at MHP/Team SI as a senior marketing account executive, she worked closely with nonprofit and government organizations, identifying and fostering relationships to increase reach and maximize resources. She also secured nearly 20 marketing and communications awards for her work for agency clients. In the early years of her career, she was a crime reporter for the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record where she won first place for Service to Freedom of Information among other awards from the Arkansas Associated Press Media Editors Awards. Jones has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, one of the Top 100 Professionals by Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP) and as a 2024 AMP Influencer. Jones has served on the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council board and as vice chair of the Keep America Beautiful State Leaders Council. Growing up in Prattsville and now living in Stuttgart, her passion for hunting, fishing, gardening and experiencing the outdoors follows her through her career and volunteer efforts.
Mandy Stanage Shoptaw is a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Growing up surrounded by the oldest National Park in America and her years as a nationally syndicated television producer for gardening and lifestyle shows, Mandy has a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature. Mandy has worked in a wide range of communications roles, including in advertising and as Deputy Chief of Communications for the Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism. She is currently the Associate State Director of Communications and Outreach for AARP Arkansas. Mandy holds a BS degree in Mass Communications and lives in Little Rock with her husband, Vince. They have an adult son and the family enjoys travel and home improvements. Mandy serves on the board of Argenta Community Theater, is a commissioner for the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, was the 2022 chair of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, and is a past décor chair for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital a la Carte fundraising event. In her free time, Mandy enjoys entertaining, gardening, and photography.
Brad Peterson is the Vice President of Infrastructure for the Little Rock office of Crafton Tull and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Brad is a 2003 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, completing a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering. He holds registrations as a LEED-AP from the United States Green Building Council and a Certified Floodplain Manager from the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association. Brad previously served as a member of the Little Rock Sustainability Commission, is National Delegate for the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock, and member of Leadership Arkansas Class 17. He has played the role of Project Manager in many award-winning projects including the Little Rock Main Street Water Quality Demonstration, Little Rock Port Authority Infrastructure Improvements, and Little Rock 12th Street Community Jump Start. Brad has a passion for preserving Arkansas’s natural beauty and improving the quality of life for all residents. Brad resides in Maumelle with his wife, Ruth, and their two young children. His interests include golf, boating, and fishing. Brad and his family are members of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock where he volunteers as an Upward Basketball coach.