Bill Luther, President and CEO of the Chamber, obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas. He is a Certified Professional Community and Economic Developer, a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas, Licensed Pilot, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, a graduate of the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course and a graduate of LeadAR Class 14. In March of 2014, Bill was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Electrical Engineers.

Bill has served on numerous boards and commissions including METROPLAN (the Central Arkansas Metropolitan Planning board), chair for the United Way of Union County, chair of the El Dorado–Union County Chamber of Commerce and vice chair of the El Dorado Water Utilities Commission. He presently serves on the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners, the Golden Triangle Economic Development Council and as a class director for the Community Development Institute Central at UCA.

Bill retired from Entergy on February 28, 2018. Sitting on the sidelines was not his idea of retirement. The day after his retirement, he began campaigning to serve the people of El Dorado, Arkansas, as their next Mayor. In the November 6 General Election, he lost the Mayor’s race by 87 votes. The day after the election, Bill was approached about replacing the El Dorado–Union County Chamber of Commerce retiring President & CEO. Bill readily accepted this opportunity. The El Dorado-Union County Chamber has an economic development service contract with both the City of El Dorado and Union County. Bill, together with the Mayor of El Dorado and the Union County Judge, are working in job development, job recruitment and job expansion for the community.

Kaitlyn Rigdon graduated from Henderson State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and a minor in Communications. Kaitlyn is currently working on getting certified as a Professional Community Economic Developer, which will be completed in 2023. She is currently participating in Central Development Institute and is a graduate of the Mid-South Basic Economic Development course. Kaitlyn assists with the final preparations for special economic development meetings and projects, plus much more.

Karen Hicks is a native of El Dorado. She has served the foster care community for 9 years with The CALL in Union and Calhoun County. Karen serves as an El Dorado-Union County Chamber Ambassador, a member of the Parks and Playground Commission, an advisory member of the Excel by 8 initiative, and on the team of the One City Movement. Karen is currently the president of the Rotary Club of El Dorado. Karen spends her free time enjoying ALL El Dorado has to offer. Karen has three children and a pet bunny named Weasley. Karen states, “I am so excited to continue to serve this amazing community in a new way.”

 Faye Brown joined the Chamber of Commerce staff after retiring from Delek US as Assistant in the Environmental Department. She has spent her professional career in a number of Executive Assistance roles at the American Heart Association in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Dallas, Texas. Faye is responsible for communications from social media to press releases, updating the event calendar and sending out blast to Chamber Members.  As finance coordinator, Faye handles membership dues and other financial needs that rise.  Faye enjoys gardening, canning and spending time with family.