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.
Meagan Bowling Fudge serves as the Director of Student Information Systems Initiatives at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. In her role as a Project Manager she is responsible for leading UAFS through the statewide UA System implementation of the Workday Student platform under the direction of the University of Arkansas System. Meagan holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, a Masters of Public Administration from Arkansas State University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration through the University of Mississippi. Over a 10 year career in higher education she has worked with Enrollment Management, Dual Enrollment, and Student Success and Retention in numerous roles. Through her personal and professional experiences, Meagan developed a passion for female mentorship, leadership development, public service, and education. She is a graduate of Leadership Fort Smith and has served her community as a volunteer with Susan G. Komen and as a mentor in the local public schools. She previously served as the collegiate advisory team chairman for her sorority, Delta Gamma, and currently serves as President for her local alumnae chapter. She is also a current board member for the Delta Gamma Fraternity Alumnae Advisory Board, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and is a recent graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class of 2023. Meagan, a native Arkansan, currently resides in Fort Smith with her husband, Dr. Daniel Fudge, an Assistant Professor at the University of the Ozarks.
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 thru 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.
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.
Ryan is a community builder and development strategist with 20+ years experience in the non-profit space. Her early experience in Tampa as the Site Amenities Chair for Raymond James’ Gasparilla Festival of the Arts built a strong understanding of large scale event planning and the importance of philanthropy in the community. Most recently Ryan serves as Chair and Director of Events for Thaden School’s Advancement Council. Working closely with school leadership, parents and the Northwest Arkansas community, she has shepherded events and fundraising initiatives to achieve Thaden’s development goals. Prior to her most recent role at Thaden, Ryan developed effective client relationships as Founder and Owner of Di Salvo Designs, an interior design firm that offered solutions for a wide range of commercial and residential clients. With a strong background in community building, development, fundraising strategy, festival management, environmental ethics, project management, and design, Ryan is thrilled to harness her experience towards the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation mission.
Amy Finster, Community Engagement Manager and Registered Dietitian at White River Health loves science and deeply desires to help others. At 12 Years old, she navigated that passion toward healthcare when her mother suffered from malnutrition and weight loss while battling breast cancer. She knew from then on that she wanted to find a way to help others who may be experiencing a similar situation. This brought her to a career at White River Health, where she worked six years as a clinical dietitian and four years in her current role as the Community Engagement Manager. Her role as Community Engagement Manager provides resources and connections with the communities within and around the White River Health service area. Building relationships and partnerships with area stakeholders is vital to her position. Amy has a true heart for building better community relationships and loves showing up to be a community partner. She goes beyond necessities to support residents and businesses in all circumstances. She serves on the Spring River Chamber of Commerce Board, the Greers Ferry Lake Trail Council Board, the Batesville Chamber of Commerce Impact Foundation Board, and several committees throughout the North Central Arkansas area. Amy’s dedication, leadership, and passion for her role helped White River Health gain community support and build new partnerships. Amy lives White River Health’s values and mission for building healthier communities. She is an Arkansas native, born and raised in Cave City, AR. She enjoys the outdoors by cycling, running, and hiking. Her hobbies include hand embroidery and bringing new life into abandoned pieces of everyday items. Contact: Office: 870-262-1000 Cell: 870-283-2892 Email: afinster@whiteriverhealth.org
McKenzie McMath Coronel is a native to the Natural State, deeply rooted in her love for nature and the outdoors. She has a strong passion for environmental conservation and enjoys spending time in the wilderness. McKenzie has been actively involved as a Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Leader, teaching students valuable outdoor skills and fostering their independence. Having lived in Spain, Ecuador, and Bolivia, McKenzie has gained a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and is fluent in Spanish. She holds a master's degree in Strategic Communications and an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, which have equipped her with skills in effective communication and understanding societal dynamics. She currently serves as the regional vice president of Partners of the Americas, East Bolivia chapter. McKenzie's professional experience includes roles such as the Projects and Marketing coordinator for Cambridge International, Bolivia, as well as an Account Executive at MHP/Team SI, during which time worked with notable clients such as The Division of Arkansas Heritage, the Little Rock Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, and UA Little Rock, among others. Currently, McKenzie serves as the communications strategist for McMath Trial Consultants. McKenzie resides in Little Rock with her husband, Juan Carlos. They have a two- year-old son named Augustus, affectionately known as "baby Gus," and they are expecting a daughter around Thanksgiving. McKenzie's love for Arkansas and excitement to share it with her growing family drives her commitment to environmental preservation.
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.
Dr. Daniel Fudge is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of the Ozarks. He joins the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation Board with experience in fundraising and grant acquisition, as well as governmental affairs and operations. Dr. Fudge believes that in order to continue fostering growth in economic development across the state, initiatives led by Keep Arkansas Beautiful will only continue to make Arkansas an attractive and excellent place to call home. A resident of Fort Smith, Dr. Fudge enjoys hiking and walking the many trails of the River Valley, as well as golfing and fishing across the Natural State. He looks forward to also fostering relationships between Keep Arkansas Beautiful and institutions of higher education during his time on the Foundation Board
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.