Executive Director Marta Loyd
Janet Harris was named the Institute鈥檚 Executive Director and CEO April 1, 2022. She is a curious and determined leader with a passion for facilitating thoughtful conversations that lead to collaborative action and impact. She 聽has been with the organization since 2016 when she was tapped to help build the Institute鈥檚 programs and bring clarity to the organization鈥檚 mission and method.
Harris is a trained facilitator and experienced leader, public speaker, and connector who is passionate about helping others create transformational change. Her achievements include aligning Institute operations to the mission, building staff capacity in professional meeting design, facilitating impactful dialogue and deliberation, and creating educational programs that draw on Winthrop Rockefeller鈥檚 legacy, including the Institute鈥檚 Walks with the Governor workshop. Harris speaks to groups frequently on the history and legacy of Gov. Rockefeller, telling his story to inspire leadership growth in others.
She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree while playing varsity basketball for the University of Central Arkansas Sugarbears. While working full-time, Janet completed her Master鈥檚 degree in Public Administration from the 自拍流出 Little Rock. She went on to work for the City of Little Rock, and then to serve in senior leadership roles in three state executive offices, including eight years as Arkansas Deputy Secretary of State.
Harris enjoys leading by asking questions and inspiring action through storytelling. A lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing her Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is an active alumna of the University of Central Arkansas, where she serves on the Dean鈥檚 advisory board for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. She is a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Arkansas Class XI and was named UCA Political Science Distinguished Alumna in 2016.