Robert S. Moore Jr.
Chairman
Arkansas Highway Commission
Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Robert S. Moore Jr. graduated from McGehee High School, Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. After college, he was an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and a Vietnam War veteran. Moore served 20 years under three governors as director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control. Beginning in 2007, he was elected to three terms in the Arkansas Legislature, and as Speaker during his final term, passed the original legislation for ARDOT’s Connecting Arkansas Program, one of the largest highway construction programs in Arkansas’ history. Having also passed legislation promoting tourism in the Arkansas Delta, Moore’s passion has continued to be the revitalization of his hometown, Arkansas City, and the surrounding Delta region. He has worked on major projects in southeast Arkansas including the Delta Heritage Trail, Choctaw Island WMA, the John H. Johnson Museum and the historic Desha County Courthouse restoration. He has received numerous awards for his efforts promoting tourism-based economic development and was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame in 2019. Moore is also a longtime, low-keyed, singer-songwriter who recently began publishing some of his work under his alias, JR Grace Music. Moore and his wife, Beverly, live on their farm just outside of Arkansas City.
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Life begins at 50, the saying goes, to which the incomparable Phyllis Diller once replied, “Maybe it’s true that life begins at 50. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out or spread out.” (The women and men included on the following pages, at least, will find that funny … not to mention, they actually know who Phyllis Diller is.)
Fifty is the new 40, or something like that, but in this Ponce de Leon age of youth worship, we at AMP thought it would be nice to recognize those business leaders in Arkansas who aren’t under 40 or in their 20s. Once one hits the milestone age of 50, life doesn’t stop, after all. For many, it speeds up. Nominated by readers, the leaders recognized in AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list haven’t slowed down — they have realized more success, achieved new goals and even launched entirely new chapters. And we salute them.
The vigor of youth is a beautiful and necessary thing. But so is the wisdom and discernment of age. Besides, like the saying goes, 50 is nothing more than the new 40, right?
The members of AMP’s inaugural Fifty Over 50 list were nominated by readers. They represent a broad spectrum of Arkansas business, industry and politics. They are former state legislators, business owners, CEOs
and more who represent industries ranging from farming and construction
to restaurants and retail.
Some of them started on an upward trajectory early in their careers and haven’t slowed down. Others began new chapters later in their journeys and achieved success — and made profound impacts on their communities — in new ways.
We’re proud to recognize these women and men-… experienced, seasoned Arkansas leaders whose collective journey is just beginning.
Click here to see the full list of 2022 AMP Fifty Over 50!
