AFEC MEMBERS
Larry W. Walther
Arkansas Treasurer of State
Following an extensive career with SBC, now AT&T, Larry Walther began his public service career in 2003 when Governor Mike Huckabee appointed him Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
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In 2008, Treasurer Walther moved from state to federal government where he served as Director of the US Trade and Development Agency and on the Board of Directors for the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
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In 2015, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the appointment of Mr. Walther as Chief Fiscal Officer for the State of Arkansas and Director of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). He held this position until August 2023, when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Mr. Walther Treasurer of the State of Arkansas, following the death of Treasurer Mark Lowery.
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.