Ten individuals have been named to the board of Common Ground Arkansas.
Launched by state Sen. Jim Hendren in 2021, Common Ground Arkansas is a nonpartisan political organization and nonprofit designed to “disrupt the current system by running commonsense candidates who are more accountable to the people than to a party…,” according to the organization’s website. Hendren founded the organization after leaving the Republican Party, and Misty Orpin was named as the inaugural executive director.
“Polarization and partisan division keep us from focusing on the very real problems that need solving in our state,” Hendren said in a statement. “We will work in areas where we can have a strategic impact on our state politics and give a stronger voice to those in the middle as we look toward the 2022 campaign season.
Common Ground Arkansas has now unveiled its board of directors, which it stated will “provide a balance in Arkansas politics and support problem solving leadership in the state.”
The 10 members of the board of directors are:
- LeAnne Burch, Monticello; Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army
- Davy Carter, Jonesboro; Banker and Attorney
- Veronica Gromada, Bentonville; Attorney, Walmart
- Jim Hendren, Sulphur Springs; President, Hendren Plastics
- Mark Isbell, North Little Rock; Partner, Isbell Farms
- Mayor George McGill, Fort Smith; Mayor, Fort Smith
- Andy McNeill, Russellville; CEO, Denali Water Solutions
- Archie Schaffer III, Fayetteville; Consultant and Retired EVP, Tyson Foods
- Sam Sicard, Fort Smith; President and CEO, First National Bank of Fort Smith
- Nate Steel, Little Rock; Attorney, Steel, Wright, Gray, PLLC
Hendren has been named chairman for the board, while Schaffer will serve as vice chairman.
READ MORE: Misty Orpin Leading Common Ground Arkansas Executive Director