Our Mission:
Foster a culture of service to strengthen communities and solve local problems.
The Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism is a bi-partisan commission made up of passionate commissioners who believe that volunteers are vital to creating strong, vibrant communities. Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor and together they assist EngageAR with determining community needs, setting policy and program priorities, ensuring national service funds are used effectively, supporting national days of service, and promoting national service and volunteering throughout their communities.
Arkansas Service Commission-EngageAR seeks to empower communities through service. In addition to managing the State AmeriCorps sub-grant program, the office works to build collaboration across federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, and national service programs to improve lives and strengthen communities. The EngageAR office is housed in the Department of Education, Division of Higher Education as of July 2019.
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism - EngageAR
Contact the Commission: engage.ar@adhe.edu
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Amanda Richardson Nipper Commission Chair Community: Little Rock Profession: Organizational Development Trainer at Arkansas Children's Community Activities: Junior League of Little Rock, Little Rock Marathon, City Year Little Rock |
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Tina Winham Commission Vice-Chair Community: Rogers Profession: Sales Lead, Spin Master |
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Erin Franks Commission Secretary Community: Little Rock Profession: Cheif Legislative Affairs Director, Arkansas Department of Education |
Bruce Davis Commissioner Community: Hot Springs Village Profession: Retired Community Activities: Lions Club International, Lions Eye Bank, World Services for the Blind, Village Bible Church, and Mid-South Sight & Hearing |
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Gloria Redman Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Retired sales, marketing, advertising, fundraising, and public relations professional Community Activities: Fine Arts Club, Cancer Institute Cook’s Tour, Women & Children First and AR Kids Read |
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Doyle Ray Commissioner Community: Pine Bluff Profession: Retired Community Activities: World Changers, Silver Haired Legislators Alumni Association, Sheraton Park Neighborhood Watch, Trinity Village Medical Center |
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Robert Coon Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Business Owner, Lobbyist Community Activities: Little Rock Sister Cities Commission, Arkansas District Export Council |
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Vernard Henley, Jr. Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Assistant Dean, College of Engineering & Information Technology at UA Little Rock Community Activities: eSTEM Public Charter School Board Member, National Society of Black Engineers |
Sheila K. Boyd Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Arkansas Municipal League |
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Susana O'Daniel Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Director of Public Affairs, Arkansas Education Association |
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Dr. Nicholas Ogle Commissioner Community: Lowell Profession: Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health, Centene Corporation |
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Dr. Derek Slagle Commissioner Community: Little Rock Profession: Director, Survey Research Center at University of Arkansas |
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Russell Swearingen Commissioner Community: Profession: City Year Staff Member |
Paul Wellenberger Commissioner Community: Fairfield Bay Profession: Mayor of Fairfield Bay |
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Commissioner Community: Shirley Profession: University of Arkansas student, Arkansas FFA State President |
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Commissioner Community: Damascus Profession: Community Organizer and Public Service Professional |
EngageAR Staff
Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Higher Education
Shana Chaplin, CVM EngageAR Director Shana.Chaplin@adhe.edu | 501-537-9724 |
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Kim Reed, MPA, CPM AmeriCorps Program Manager Kim.Reed@adhe.edu | 501-537-9723 |
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Kathy Gattinger, CVM AmeriCorps Program Officer Kathy.Gattinger@adhe.edu | 501-537-9721 |
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Ashley Rietschier, MPS, CVM AmeriCorps Program Officer Ashley.Rietschier@adhe.edu | 501-371-2022 |
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Sarah Ward AmeriCorps Outreach & Communications Officer Sarah.R.Ward@adhe.edu | 501-537-9722 |
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Dr. Allison Roberts Governor's Liaison Allison.roberts@Governor.arkansas.gov
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