FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2024

CONTACT‍

Nic Horton

‍nic@opportunityarkansas.org

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‍OPPORTUNITY ARKANSAS ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

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CONWAY, AR – Today, Opportunity Arkansas (OA) announced the addition of the organization’s first Public Affairs Director, James (J.) Robertson. Robertson is the organization’s third full-time hire and this news comes just one day after the organization celebrated its second anniversary.

In his role, Robertson will oversee OA’s government affairs efforts, assist with media relations, coordinate with key stakeholders, and apply his policy expertise to help craft homegrown ideas for real change.

Prior to joining OA, J. worked at Próspera where he helped advance a groundbreaking governance platform for special economic zones. He also worked as Director of Employability at Empower Mississippi where he led successful advocacy efforts and achieved significant reforms that expanded work opportunities for Mississippians.

Nic Horton, Founder and CEO of Opportunity Arkansas Foundation, offered the following remarks upon the news of J.’s hiring:

“The good news just keeps coming for Opportunity Arkansas and we couldn’t be more excited and grateful. J.’s addition to our all-star staff is a much-needed expansion of our capacity. As Arkansas continues its transition from just a ‘red state’ to a conservative state, the ideas and support OA offers have never been in higher demand. We are incredibly grateful to our supporters—from every corner of Arkansas—who have made this next phase of growth a reality.

J. is a consummate professional with vast knowledge, experience, and a passion for Arkansas. With a background in criminal justice reform and reducing barriers to work, we know he’s going to bring a unique perspective to the issues facing our great state. We are glad he’s chosen to join this adventure with us as we work every day to improve the lives of all Arkansans.”‍

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Additionally, J. Robertson expressed his excitement to join the award-winning OA team:

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‍“I’m incredibly excited to join Opportunity Arkansas and contribute to the important work of solving generational problems. Arkansas is a special place that is brimming with potential. Because of OA’s work, Arkansans should be more optimistic than ever that the state will finally reach that full potential and become a national model for the rest of America. I look forward to working with our partners from every corner of Arkansas to make a lasting impact for the next generation and leave this place better than we found it.”‍

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A native of Mississippi, J. has put down roots in Arkansas. He resides in Lowell with his wife Mallory.

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About Opportunity Arkansas Foundation

‍Opportunity Arkansas Foundation is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to renew the Land of Opportunity by simplifying government and solving generational problems for the next generation. OA stands ready to partner with state policymakers who share these goals. To learn more, visit www.OpportunityArkansas.org.

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