ARKADELPHIA, AR, Sept. 3, 2024: The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jon Merryman will be joining our team as Executive Vice President and leader of the organization’s chamber of commerce effective October 28, 2024. In this role, Merryman will lead the Chamber’s efforts to support and grow the local business community, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Clark County area.

Merryman joins the Alliance and Chamber after serving since 2011 as the Director of Alumni Relations at Ouachita Baptist University, where he played a pivotal role in engaging the university’s more than 18,000 living alumni through events, communications, and outreach. In 2012, he expanded his responsibilities to include directing The Ouachita Student Foundation. His leadership was instrumental in organizing and producing the university’s signature event, Tiger Tunes, which has raised over $1,000,000 for student scholarships during his tenure.

A 2000 cum laude graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a B.A. in Mass Communications, Merryman began his career in music marketing in Nashville, Tennessee, before transitioning into a 17-year career in full-time, bi-vocational, and missions ministry. His diverse background includes leading communications and marketing strategies for global nonprofits, contributing to national publications, and overseeing major fundraising campaigns.

"We are excited to welcome Jon Merryman to the Alliance and Chamber team as our new Executive Vice President and Chamber Director," said Shelley Short, President and CEO of the Alliance and Chamber. "His proven ability to foster strong relationships and drive impactful initiatives and programs will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to support and grow our local business community."

Merryman and his wife, Emily, live in Arkadelphia and are proud parents to their son, Dennis, whom they adopted from Moldova in 2008. His deep ties to the community and passion for supporting local businesses make him an ideal leader for the Chamber.

"I am thrilled to join the excellent team at the Alliance and Chamber and look forward to serving our business community," said Merryman. "The Arkadelphia area is a great place to live and work due in large part to our local businesses providing amazing goods and services. I am excited about helping them thrive and grow."