AFEC MEMBERS
John Thurston
Arkansas Treasurer of State
Treasurer of State John Thurston was elected to office in November of 2024 as a result of a special election. Prior to his role as Treasurer of State, Thurston was elected as Arkansas Secretary of State for two terms. His first term began in 2019 and he was elected to a second term in 2022. Previously, he served two terms as Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. Treasurer Thurston is past chair of the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council and past president of the Western States Land Commissioners Association.
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As the Secretary of State, Thurston served as chair of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission and the State Board of Election Commissioners. In addition, he served as a member of the Capitol Zoning District Commission, the Capitol Parking Control Committee, and the Information Network of Arkansas Board. As Secretary of State, he also served as a member of the Board of Apportionment, which oversaw the redistricting of state legislative districts that occurs every ten years.
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Born in Little Rock and raised in Saline County, Treasurer Thurston graduated from Sheridan High School in 1991. He attended Agape College where he earned a diploma in biblical studies and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in economics. The Treasurer lives in East End with his wife Joanna and their five children. He is an avid outdoorsman.
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Jacob Oliva
Secretary Arkansas Department of Education
Commissioner of Elementary & Secondary Education
Jacob Oliva was appointed Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education by Governor Sarah Sanders in January 2023. Prior to being named secretary and commissioner, Oliva served in numerous roles at the Florida Department of Education and as an educator in the Flagler (FL) County School System.
Susannah Marshall
Commissioner, Arkansas State Bank and Securities Department
Susannah serves as Commissioner for both the State Bank and State Securities Departments. She began her career in the Arkansas State Bank Department in 1995, having held various positions until her appointment and was appointed to lead the Securities Department in August 2023.
Steve Brown
President and CEO,
Alcoa Community Federal Credit Union
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Steve has served as CEO of Alcoa since January 2014. His background includes 15 years as an executive at Acxiom Corporation and more than 10 years in the commercial banking industry. Steve's term on the AFEC will expire on November 30, 2024.
Katherine Mitchell
Senior Vice President, Relyance Bank
Designee for Arkansas Bankers Association
Katherine is Chair of the Education Committee for the Arkansas Bankers Association. She joined Relyance Bank in 2018 where she currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Bank Services. Katherine has more than 20 years of banking experience. Katherine's term on the AFEC will expire on November 30, 2025.
Patricia Ashanti
Founder and CEO
Delta Circles
A graduate of the Clinton School of Public Service, Patricia is a visionary advocate for economic change for Black women and their communities. She believes that investing in Black women, financial education and entrepreneurship are keys to strengthening communities of color. While leading and developing an entrepreneurial hub in Helena-West Helena, AR, Patricia encourages innovation that inspires communities to thrive. Patricia's term on the AFEC will expire on November 30, 2025.
Marsha Masters
Associate Director
Economics Arkansas
Abby Hughes Holsclaw
President and CEO
Proper Southern Strategies
Abby is a consultant in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. She currently serves as a senior director for the Asset Funders Network where she directs the Arkansas Asset Funders Network, offering thought-leadership and assistance in engaging southern funders. Abby previously served as the national senior director of philanthropy at Goodwill Industries International, Inc. Abby's term on the AFEC will expire on November 30, 2024.