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A thriving Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas is a game-changer for Central Arkansas youth and the community. A new slate of leaders and board members are committed to embracing the vision for a bolder, better, bigger Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas.
Dr, Wendy Ward, UAMS Associate Provost stepped up into her role as President- perfect timing for an agency looking to adapt and meet the challenges of a new post-pandemic Central Arkansas. Also, President-Elect, Rusty Meeks, who is Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Traveler Baseball Club, has hit the ground running already preparing to lead the board of directors in 2023.
"Now is a pivotal time—so many children and adolescents in Central Arkansas could benefit from a positive transformative relationship in their lives, especially during this prolonged pandemic. Here at BBBSCA we are committed to our motto: We. Ignite. Potential. During my year as President, I pledge to do just that—to work alongside our Board and Raymond Long, BBBSCA Chief Executive Officer, to ignite the potential of the youth we serve, to develop new projects that expand the quality and impact of our programming, to gather new Bigs passionate about making a difference in a child’s life, and to engage committed donors excited about our mission so that we can expand and help more and more youth and their families."
Dr. Wendy Ward- Board President
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas is such a valuable organization to the Central Arkansas community. I am honored to be on a board that is focused on making sure the next generation is equipped and prepared for the future.”
Rusty Meeks- President- Elect
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also delighted to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors: Chris Shenep, Rhonda McBain,Willie Davis, and Matthew Brunson. Shenep, McBain, Davis, and Bruson each bring critical expertise, insights, and connections to the 17-member Board.
I am honored for this incredible opportunity to join the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. I have always admired the work that Big Brothers Big Sisters does to provide mentorship and empower the lives of youth in Central Arkansas. As a member of this board, I look forward to supporting their mission and vision as they continue to serve children and families in our community."
Rhonda McBain-Program Director, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals/ Senior Development Officer at Arkansas Children's Foundation
I’m honored to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas Board of Directors. As a former BIG brother, this extremely worthwhile organization allowed me to begin volunteering right out of college and has provided many meaningful experiences that indirectly led me into my career of fundraising and development.I’m excited to join this distinguished Board of Directors and help contribute in any way that I can through working alongside CEO Raymond Long and his great staff. We all benefit from having mentors in our lives and it’s rewarding to see how many mentors BBBS provides to children and youth who are eager to find one of their own, as well. These kids and their families are the future of our city, state, and community – we owe it to them to do all we can to lay a solid foundation for their future and mentors are a big part in paving that path.”
-Chris Shenep Director of AU Foundation and Marketing, Arkansas Urology
The highest calling of any man is to impact the life of a child. I look forward to bringing my expertise in mentoring and police relations to BBBSCA.
-Willie Davis- SGT Willie Davis- Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
I am excited and very grateful for the opportunity to join the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. I look forward to being part of an organization that provides resources and support to the young people of Central Arkansas and encourages their maximum potential.
-Matthew Bruson, Associate Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.
Raymond Omar Long, CEO of BBBSCA, says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this 50 Year old organization. I am extremely thankful that the new board leadership and new board members are committed to give their time, talents, and treasure at a time such as this to build a bolder, better, bigger agency for the young people in Central Arkansas.
