#United States #Bentonville #Heartland Forward #Angie Cooper #Ross DeVol

Heartland Forward Announces New Leadership and Economic Goals

On December 10, 2024, Heartland Forward, a pivotal think tank, declared significant changes in its leadership and ambitions. Angie Cooper, previously the Executive Vice President, has now taken on the roles of President and Chief Operating Officer, while Ross DeVol transitions to Chairman of the Board, maintaining his position as CEO. These strategic adjustments come alongside the organization's commitment to generating a substantial economic impact of $500 million by the year 2030.

This ambitious goal centers on four primary economic drivers: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development, health and wellness, and regional competitiveness. Heartland Forward has outlined a new initiative called ‘Pulse of the Heartland’, which aims to gather and analyze economic data and insights specifically tailored to America's heartland regions.

DeVol emphasized the untapped potential within these communities and acknowledged the systemic challenges they continue to face. He expressed pride in the groundwork laid by the team and the bold direction Heartland Forward is heading. “Our leadership changes signal a bold new era for Heartland Forward as we continue driving innovation and economic growth across the heartland,” he stated.

Cooper, who assumes her role on January 1, 2025, articulated her vision for enhancing economic growth. She stressed the importance of strong public-private partnerships to bridge existing gaps in workforce education and entrepreneurship. “We must harness the power of artificial intelligence to be prepared for the future while expanding access to affordable high-speed internet,” she remarked, underscoring the organization’s commitment to building healthy communities conducive to transformative change.

Strengthening Research Capabilities

In addition to the leadership transitions, Heartland Forward is enhancing its research capacity with two notable appointments. Cass Crews will become the Research Director of Talent Pipeline, focusing on workforce challenges alongside his existing responsibilities. Meanwhile, Ken Imanak steps in as the Research Director for Health and Wellness, tackling critical issues such as maternal health and healthcare access within the region.

Dave Shideler, the Chief Research Officer, expressed enthusiasm regarding these new appointments. The organization's evolving research priorities aim to incorporate new evaluation metrics into initiatives like 'Pulse of the Heartland'.

Recent Program Initiatives

In celebrating its fifth anniversary, Heartland Forward recently launched several initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth in the heartland. Notable programs include:

• - Telehealth Training in Oklahoma and Arkansas: This initiative is designed to empower librarians to assist residents in accessing and preparing for telehealth services.
• - STEM Education Report: Research from Heartland Forward and the University of Arkansas highlights that enhancing STEM education could add $3.9 billion to the state's economy and create approximately 19,000 jobs by 2038.
• - rootEd Arkansas: This public-private partnership endeavors to ensure that rural Arkansas students graduate high school ready for successful careers.
• - Connecting the Heartland Broadband Jobs Board: This online resource enables job seekers to discover local employers and access vital information about benefits and training opportunities.
• - Builder and Backers: A program across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama aimed at nurturing regional entrepreneurship by providing funding to help local residents turn ideas into viable businesses.

Heartland Forward is actively seeking strategic partners and donors who align with its vision of bolstering economic resilience in the heartland. For those interested in learning more about Heartland Forward's transformative efforts, visiting their website at heartlandforward.org is encouraged.

The organization remains dedicated to being a pivotal resource for the middle of the country by actively investigating broad economic trends and nurturing community-driven partnerships designed to ignite economic growth, reshape narratives, and provide support where it’s most needed.