FSLM's 2026 Forty Under 40
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This year marks 20 years of Four States Living Magazine’s Forty Under Forty issue. Each September, 40 young community members are recognized and celebrated for their professional and personal achievements, as well as community service. The 2026 honorees are bold entrepreneurs, hardworking professionals, and compassionate volunteers. Their stories of creativity, perseverance, and dedication inspire readers of all ages.
RONALD MAKARAMBA
31 | Owner
Clean Visuals
Ronald Makaramba has lived on four continents. At 17, he went from growing up in his home country of Tanzania to living alone in a tiny studio apartment in England. After completing his diploma in Manchester, he was signed by a sports agency, which helped him get to the United States. He was eventually recruited to play soccer for Texas A&M Texarkana, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 2021.
As an international student, Ronald was only allowed to work on campus—but he had a burgeoning family to support. “My son, Malkhi, was on the way,” Ronald explained. “With so many students competing for limited hours, it was extremely difficult to make ends meet. I started detailing cars from my home as a way to earn some extra income. Eventually, I was reported to immigration. My student status was revoked, and I was required to leave the country.”
Thankfully, a Dallas-based immigration attorney took Ronald’s case and helped him become a permanent resident of the United States. He is currently working toward gaining citizenship.
“That experience taught me a lot about resilience,” Ronald said. “There were moments when I honestly didn’t know how everything would work out, but I kept pushing forward because I had a family depending on me. It showed me how much I’m capable of overcoming.”
Ronald and his wife, Makenzy, now have two children: 5-year-old Malakhi and newborn Eleanor, who made her debut in July.
Prior to starting his media company, Clean Visuals, Ronald worked for TXK Gameday, where he learned the visual media skills he would come to need as a professional photographer and videographer.
“Working at Texarkana Gameday under Morgan Smith was a major turning point for me,” he said. “Morgan and his team took the time to teach me and give me a real understanding of filmmaking, cameras, and the creative process. I was still developing my skills at the time, and having people who were willing to invest in me helped me build a strong foundation that I still use today with Clean Visuals.”
Through Clean Visuals, Ronald creates photo and video content for personal and commercial purposes. “My love for storytelling through media is what first led me into wedding filmmaking, and from there, my work expanded into helping businesses elevate their brand and online presence,” he said. “There’s something really rewarding about seeing a business grow and knowing that the content I created played a small part in helping them get there.”
A long way from vacuuming cars in his driveway, Ronald said that he is grateful for every opportunity that led him to his current life.
“I started with a camera and a passion for creating,” he said, “and over time I’ve been able to build something that has become a real business, a recognizable brand, and a source of opportunity for me and my family.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I’m bilingual. Swahili is my first language, and English is my second.
MICHALA BECK
29 | Agent and owner
Beck & Company Legacy Insurance Group
“I chose this profession because I believe insurance is about people first,” said insurance agent Michala Beck. “It allows me to serve my community during some of life’s most important and vulnerable moments while building something meaningful for my own family.”
A 2019 graduate of Texas A&M Texarkana, Michala worked for Southern Insurance Group for almost seven years before founding her own insurance group last December.
“My goal in creating this agency was to establish a business rooted in faith, integrity, and service that creates opportunity, provides peace of mind, and reflects the values I want to pass on to my son,” she said. “As an agency owner, I am proud to lead a faith-based, family-oriented business built on relationships, trust, and service to others.”
Michala and her husband, Jon, have one son, Jaxson, who is now 2 years old. Michala said that becoming a business owner while parenting a toddler was “not easy.”
“Starting a new insurance agency was a significant personal and financial risk, and I was taking that risk during a season when my son still needed so much of my time and attention,” she said. “There were long days, difficult decisions, and moments when I questioned whether I was capable of managing everything well. I had to learn how to prioritize, stay disciplined, and give myself grace when everything could not be perfect.”
The hard work has paid off. Michala shared that the company’s early success has exceeded all of her predictions.
“When I opened the agency, I set a goal for my first year and committed to working hard and staying faithful through the process,” she said. “By God’s grace, and with the support of my family and clients, we were able to reach that goal within the first few months. Since opening, the growth has been more successful than I could have ever imagined, and I give all glory to God for the opportunities and blessings that have come from it.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I am a triplet!
JUSTIN SCURLOCK
38 | Founder
Scurlock Studio
Scurlock Studio is a local design firm that specializes in high-end interiors and architecture, including residential builds, boutique commercial and hospitality projects, and fully-realized interior design. Texarkana local Justin Scurlock founded the firm in 2020, after returning to the Ark-La-Tex from New York City, where he worked for the prestigious Tsao & McKown Architects.
Establishing Scurlock Studio was Justin’s way “to bring my creativity and design vision to bear on projects locally and across the region,” he explained. “We are currently working on a number of projects, including The Primary in Nash, a downtown incubator space called the Assembly Line, a downtown apartment building called Patterson Place, a wellness studio called Haus of Light, and a number of residential commissions locally and as far away as Wyoming and Florida.”
Justin said that, of the many design projects he has undertaken in his career, The Primary has been one of the most rewarding.
“One of the best parts of working in the architecture and design field is the moment when you first walk through a project that you’ve been drawing, sketching, and visualizing for months and finally see it come into shape in the real world,” he said. “One of the most fulfilling examples of this has been The Primary Commons, The Primary Court, and soon The Primary Hotel. After being involved in almost every detail—from the initial site planning sketches all the way to selecting banquette fabrics and designing custom light fixtures—this project has been an incredibly rewarding design experience. Seeing so many ideas and sketches be realized so beautifully and comprehensively is one of my proudest professional moments.”
Justin was born and raised in Texarkana “by parents whose great gift to me in life was to impart the values of integrity, compassion, and hard work,” he said. “Successfully imparting those values on my two boys [ages 4 and 6] will be my greatest personal achievement, and also an achievement that is ongoing and never complete.”
Bill Scurlock, Justin’s father, died unexpectedly in 2024. Renowned owner of Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery, Bill was a role model to Justin as both a parent and professional.
“My father was a formative person whose impact I appreciate more and more as I grow as a father and a business owner,” Justin said. “His model in life and in business was to quietly do what needed to be done, treat everyone with trust, compassion, and honesty, and to be the man who shows up for his friends, his family, and his community.”
Justin serves on the board of Main Street Texarkana. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping with his sons, “as well as sharing cultural, culinary, and historic adventures with them all over the region,” he said.
What book are you currently reading? A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean
BRYCE BROOKS
26 | Development officer III
Texas A&M University Texarkana
In her role at Texas A&M Texarkana, Bryce Brooks oversees alumni relations and engagement efforts, raising critical funds for current and future TAMUT students. In her current job since November 2024, Bryce has had a front-seat experience of the campus’ explosive growth.
“I am proud every day to get to do what I do,” she said. “It is incredibly exciting to be part of an institution experiencing such unprecedented growth and to know that, ultimately, the work we do is about creating opportunities for the students we serve. The campus and the institution look very different from the university I walked into almost two years ago, and I am so proud of all that our team and university as a whole have accomplished.”
Bryce was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas. An alumna of Southern Arkansas University, she holds both a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the institution. Her husband, Triston, is a Texarkana native, and after their wedding in 2021, she relocated to the area. “What started as my husband’s hometown has become home for me, too, and I am grateful for the many ways this community has become such an important part of my life,” she said.
Life has not been linear for Bryce. In the fall of 2021, while completing her MBA and working full-time in marketing, Bryce became pregnant with her son, JD, “and experienced a difficult and complicated pregnancy,” she said. “I remember being sick in the hospital and later on bed rest, communicating with my professors and continuing to work on classwork whenever I could. My son was born in July 2022, and I had finals for my summer classes the very same week.”
After JD’s birth, Bryce moved back to Magnolia and spent 11 months as a stay-at-home parent. “I will always be thankful for the time I had with him as a baby, but stepping away from my career and then finding my way back into the workforce was one of the biggest professional challenges I have faced,” she said.
Shortly before JD’s first birthday, Bryce accepted a position at SAU. “It was absolutely not the original plan I had envisioned for myself, but I saw it as an opportunity to get my foot in the door in higher education and hopefully open doors for the future,” she explained. “Little did I know that this unexpected opportunity would eventually bring me back to Texarkana and to my current position. What initially felt like an unexpected detour ended up shaping the career path I am on today. I am very thankful for the unexpected turns in my career and have learned that sometimes the path you did not plan for can lead you exactly where you are meant to be.”
In addition to her university job, Bryce owns Three Strands Wedding and Events, working as a wedding coordinator, planner, and stylist. “I love helping couples bring their wedding visions to life,” she said. “It is incredibly special to be part of such an important day in so many people’s lives.”
JD, who is 4, now has a younger sister, Amelia (6 months). The Brooks family of four attends Christian Warriors Church, where Bryce and Triston have led the youth group for almost six years. “I want my children to grow up knowing that they can trust God when life doesn’t go the way they expected,” she said.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I was born on Christmas Day.
KAMILAH WRIGHTNER
38 | District instructional coach
Texarkana Independent School District
On-campus, Kamilah Wrightner is an educator of 14 years, formerly teaching preschool and now an instructional coach for Texarkana ISD. Off-campus, she is a food truck magnate.
“My husband and I own three food trucks: Good Eats Catering Company #1, Good Eats Catering Company #2, and A&K Snack Shack,” she said. The couple also has two A&K concession stands at the Four States Fairground, which were featured on season 12 of The Food Network’s Carnival Eats in September 2024. “It was a great honor to be highlighted worldwide promoting our business, serving our community, and just doing what we love to do,” she shared.
While the food trucks are flashy, Kamilah’s heart is in education.
“From an early age, teaching has always been my passion,” she said. “Growing up, I had wonderful teachers who made a lasting positive impact on my life, and I wanted to have that same impact on the lives of my own students.”
Kamilah’s childhood was not an easy one.
“I was a child that many people probably would have doubted,” she said. “I grew up in a neighborhood known for having a low socioeconomic status and high crime rates. I was a student who had free or reduced lunch throughout my school-aged years. I was also a child who, once my father passed away, was raised by a single mother of three. However, I did not let those circumstances define who I became.”
A TISD student from preschool through high school, Kamilah graduated in the top 10% of her class and attended The University of Texas for her undergraduate education. A 2010 honor graduate, she earned a degree in elementary education with a minor in English as a second language before returning to teach in Texarkana. In 2017, she was named Teacher of the Year for Paul Laurence Dunbar Early Education Center. In 2020, she completed an online master’s program and received a degree in educational administration.
“As an instructional coach, I strive daily to help teachers ensure that their educational environment is one conducive to high-quality instruction, is filled with respect and empathy, and, most of all, is full of love,” she said. “Being an educator in the same schools that I was once a student in helps further solidify to those students that they can be whatever they put their minds to.”
An active member of the Junior League of Texarkana, Kamilah is currently a committee member for the Shoes for the Soul/Clothes for a Cause project. Since 2018, she has been a member and district ambassador for the Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators.
Kamilah is married to Albert Wrightner. She has four “bonus children,” Daeqwan (20), Destiny (18), Jasmine (14), and Jace (12). She also has “one biological child, Zakai, who is our angel baby,” she said; he was born prematurely in 2024. “[His birth] taught me to develop a greater value for life and appreciate the time we have with our loved ones. Although he was not on earth long, I am grateful for being able to witness his first and last breaths, and I have solace in knowing that he witnessed nothing but unconditional love.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I lived in Mexico for a summer, and I can speak Spanish.
TAYLOR COLEMAN
30 | House manager
Perot Theatre
Growing up as a self-described “theatre kid,” Taylor Coleman hoped he would get to work in the entertainment industry as an adult. Now, at the ripe age of 30 (“My knees are feeling every bit of it,” he joked), Taylor has been in theater administration for five years. By day, he works as the house manager, rental coordinator, and facility services manager at the Perot Theatre. “By night, you can often find me at a venue around the four states area, happily crooning my life away,” he said.
Taylor is also a prolific actor, regularly treading the boards in Tex*Rep shows. You may have seen him as the titular Sweeney Todd, Igor in Young Frankenstein, Roger Davis in Rent, or Donkey in Shrek the Musical.
“I’m truly blessed to be able to work in the admin field of [theater] and the performance side,” he added. “I’m an incredibly lucky guy, and each night I thank my stars: Patti Lupone, Norm Lewis, Bernadette Peters, Nathan Lane, David Hyde Pierce, so on and so forth.”
At the Perot, Taylor especially enjoys facilitating and participating in the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra’s concerts for students. “For the past few years, I’ve been able to narrate these shows, and it’s always such an amazing experience,” he said. “For some of these kids, this might be their only experience inside of a theatre, so there’s an obligation there to make sure you do right by them and ensure that you are honoring their time in such a special space.”
Prior to joining the Perot’s staff, Taylor served in the US Army for three years as a healthcare specialist.
“I met some lifelong friends and some wonderful leaders who knew the best way to lead was to lead by example,” he said. “I truly feel like they made a lasting impression on my life that I will carry with me forever.”
Taylor and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters, Daphne (4) and Louise (2).
“I live in a house with my biggest fans and greatest critics,” he said. “Their opinions of me matter the most. They are my greatest accomplishment.”
With a packed schedule of work, musical gigs, and theatrical productions, Taylor cherishes every moment of family time he gets.
“As much time as I can spend with my kids, I will,” he said. “They are so much fun. I also love to have family time in general—whether we are going over to my grandmother’s to play cards, going bowling, going thrift shopping, or having a family dinner.”
One key family member in Taylor’s life is his grandfather, who died in 2016 of liver and bile duct cancer.
“He had always been a teaching figure to me,” he said, “but his passing was one of his greatest teaching moments. It taught me to get up and keep going without wallowing in self-pity, to actively search for answers, and to always try to do what is right. There’s a lot he’s still teaching me, 10 years after his passing. Lin Manuel Miranda said, ‘A legacy is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.’ I hope that he is happy with the garden that is blooming. I hope I’m able to honor him.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “Act well your part, there all the honor lies.” —Alexander Pope
HOLLY DICKESON
38 | Director of engagement
First Methodist Church of Texarkana
Holly Dickeson left her teaching career after 13 years in the classroom.
“I spent about a year and a half focusing on volunteering, my home, and my family,” she said. “It was a time of uncertainty but just what I needed.”
Holly said that this transition was one of the greatest challenges of her life. Today, she is the director of engagement for First Methodist Church of Texarkana, Texas.
“It’s the best job in the world because it combines two things I love: Jesus and people,” she said. “Now, I’m serving in a position I feel called to and still have lots of time for my friends and family. This season taught me that sometimes God shakes up our lives for a reason.”
At First Methodist, a Global Methodist institution, Holly designed and launched a pathway for new members “so people feel at home faster,” she said. “Since January, we have welcomed almost 90 new members, and it has been such a joy to get to know them and help them find their place at FMC.”
A sustainer and past president of the Junior League of Texarkana, Holly said that her ten active years in the JLT were transformative.
“[Active membership] challenged and educated me as a young woman starting a career,” she said. “It empowered me as a leader and put me in rooms with some of the most powerful women in the four states area. Best of all, it gave me my best friends, a.k.a. ‘The Framily.’”
She co-chaired the League’s Mistletoe Market in 2019, when the cornerstone event changed names (from “Fair” to “Market”) and locations (from the fairgrounds to the Texarkana Convention Center). JLT’s annual holiday fair has long been its primary fundraiser and an unmissable event for generations of Texarkana residents.
Currently, Holly serves on the board of Women of Hope and Courage, which raises funds and awareness for CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center. She is also the president of the Waggoner Creek Elementary School’s Volunteers In Public Schools group. Last year, she was named the Texas Middle School Volunteer of the Year.
Holly and her husband of almost 20 years, Owen, have three children: Harper (16), Terry (12), and Hayes (10). She said that, in her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, golfing, and watching Love is Blind.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I come from a very large family—I have 10 brothers and sisters!
TANNER BROOKS
38 | Co-owner and operating executive
Natural State Label Co.
Tanner Brooks is the co-owner and operating executive of Natural State Label, a Texarkana-based label and packaging company that serves clients all over the world.
“We have had multiple years of over 100% revenue growth, and today we operate three shifts across two locations with more than 90 full-time employees,” he said. “We have the privilege and responsibility of working with many multinational household brands. I don’t take a lot of time to reflect on it, but when I do, I am blown away. I’m proud of what we’ve built, but even more proud of the amazing team of people who have helped push us to this point.”
Founded in 2018, Natural State Label (NSL) began with three employees—two of whom were Tanner and his wife, Whitney, who formerly worked as a graphic designer and salesperson for Four States Living Magazine. One of the company’s major turning points occurred within their first year of operation, when Tanner pursued a large customer “that ultimately gave us an opportunity to reach a level we thought would take years to achieve,” he said. “Taking it on meant purchasing more than double the equipment we had started with and immediately moving to 24-hour production with a small team that was still learning and developing.”
Though the risk was scary, Tanner said that taking that leap perfectly aligned with the founding team’s collective vision.
“We did not set out to grow NSL conservatively,” Tanner said of himself, Whitney, and their partners, Jennifer and Michael Chesshir and Debbie and David Haak. “We believed in what we were building, saw the opportunity in front of us, and made the decision to take a significant risk and go for it.”
Such rapid growth required long hours from Tanner and the rest of the team, “and personally, it required a lot from my family as well,” he said. “Working all day and through the night became a regular occurrence over the next couple of years. At the time, it was hard to see the good in it, but now there is so much to reflect on and be thankful for. That season shaped me as a leader and shaped the company NSL has become.”
Tanner is motivated every day by his family: he and Whitney have three children, Shepherd (14), Fischer (13), and Miller (5). “Being a husband and a father is far beyond anything else I have ever achieved,” Tanner said. “The continual process of learning to be a dad has been challenging but better than I ever dreamed it could be.”
Recently, Tanner rediscovered his love of running and has trained for and competed in multiple marathons. Also in his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family at the river.
“Sitting in the water, watching my kids play for hours, is surreal to me, because it’s the fulfillment of a goal I made for myself almost 20 years ago,” he said.
What is something most people don’t know about you? If I’m listening to music, 95% of the time it’s from the ‘50s and ‘60s. My younger self tried to resonate more with modern music, but I have always gravitated towards the old stuff.
PAIGE GODFREY
32 | Chief financial officer
Total Medical Supply
“To me, finance has never been just about numbers,” said Paige Godfrey, chief financial officer of Total Medical Supply. “It’s about building strong organizations, creating opportunities for people, making thoughtful decisions, and helping turn big ideas into reality. I genuinely love what I do because every challenge is a chance to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference.”
In her role as the CFO, Paige provides financial leadership across several organizations, all under the same ownership as TMS. She is also the treasurer and assistant executive director of We Are Washington. “In this role, I oversee [We Are Washington’s] financial stewardship, help guide long-term strategic planning, and work to ensure we have the resources necessary to expand our impact for the children and families we serve,” she said. “Giving back has never felt like an obligation; it’s a privilege. I believe the strongest communities are built by people who are willing to invest their time, talents, and resources into helping others succeed.”
A graduate of Texas High School, Paige pursued both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Texas A&M University Texarkana, earning a bachelor’s of business administration degree in 2015 and an MBA in 2017. She shared that her proudest achievement is raising her three children while working and pursuing higher education.
“There were countless late nights, early mornings, and moments when I questioned whether I could do it all, but giving up was never an option because my boys were always watching,” she said. “There have been seasons where I was balancing full-time work, college classes, raising kids, financial pressures, and personal heartbreak, all at the same time.”
One of those personal heartbreaks was the loss of Jennifer Garrett, Paige’s close friend. Jennifer was murdered in 2021.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her,” Paige said. “Her life, and her loss, changed me forever. I strive every day to carry her legacy forward by loving people well, leading with kindness, and always showing up for those who need me.”
Professionally, Paige cites TMO’s CEO Donnie Reid and COO Julie Franklin as her greatest mentors. “They have had an immeasurable impact on my career,” she said. “They believed in me long before I fully believed in myself and continually challenged me to think bigger, lead with confidence, and embrace opportunities outside my comfort zone. Their mentorship has shaped not only the executive I have become, but the leader I continue striving to be.”
While the role of CFO involves solving complex financial problems, Paige said that the most significant successes in her job can’t be seen on a financial statement. “Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, helping a team overcome a challenge, or knowing that the work I do ultimately supports better care for patients and their families—those are the accomplishments that remind me why I chose this profession,” she said. “For me, success isn’t defined by a title. It’s measured by the impact I have on the people and organizations I serve.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “Don’t let fear shape your decisions.” —Donnie Reid, CEO of Total Medical Supply
DR. VALERIE BURKS
39 | Dentist
Andrew S. Curry DDS
Born and raised in South Texas, Valerie Burks dreamed of being a dentist from a young age.
“I knew I wanted to be a dentist ever since I was in middle school,” she said. “It checked all the boxes of being flexible, artistic, scientific, and service-oriented. I realized that a career in dentistry was one of the only careers that offered an extremely flexible work/life balance in addition to being something that wasn’t only ‘brain work.’ I like that you get to work with your hands in a world of millimeters.”
At Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Valerie met her husband, Matthew. The two graduated from dental school and were married shortly after. They spent the next five years in San Antonio, where Matthew completed medical school and an oral surgery residency. When trying to decide where to live long-term, he expressed a desire to be close to his hometown of Hot Springs, but Valerie wanted to remain in Texas. The border city of Texarkana was the perfect compromise.
“We packed up our house, our 1-year-old daughter, our 3-month-old son, and two dogs and moved to Texarkana in 2019, and we’ve been here ever since,” she said. Shortly after, Valerie began working at Dr. Andy Curry’s dental practice. “Andy has been a fantastic mentor, and I’m grateful I landed there,” she said.
Valerie is a second-generation American and speaks English as her second language. She earned a full scholarship to Southwestern University and became a first-generation college graduate before going on to pursue a doctorate. Prior to higher education, she attended the private Catholic school where her single mother worked as a paraprofessional, relying on scholarships and other financial aid services.
“Growing up, [my mom] would always tell us that she wanted us to go farther than she did, and although there were some genuinely hard times, she did her best to support us and encourage us in all our endeavors,” Valerie said. “She believed our going to college would open a world of opportunities for us. There were so many instances where it was too hard, and I could’ve given up, gone home, or switched majors, but I didn’t. I found another way, stuck it out, and finished. If I had to go through all those hard things again to end up where I am, with the life I have now, I’d gladly do it.”
Valerie is on the boards for both the Pleasant Grove Education Foundation and the Women for A&M Texarkana. “I am the product of scholarships and great educators,” she said. “You can find me most Tuesdays helping decorate my children’s schools and making copies for their teachers.”
Valerie is also the vice-chair of the OMS Alliance Board, a philanthropic arm of The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Further, she is a sustaining member of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and Texarkana Repertory Company. “I love to give back to the city that has afforded my family and me with a comfortable life,” she said.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I really enjoy some amateur carpentry—from building our first dining table to installing the baseboards in our bathroom remodel and adding some picture-frame molding in our dining room. I’m happiest when I’ve got a project to work on in the background.
TJ LOMAX
33 | Firefighter
City of Texarkana, Texas
“Growing up in New Boston, all I ever knew of were volunteer fire departments,” said Terence “TJ” Lomax, firefighter for the City of Texarkana, Texas. “It had never occurred to me that professional firefighting was a thing.”
TJ has been fighting fires for almost six years—not just in Texarkana. In 2023, he became certified in wildland firefighting and has since been deployed to various fires throughout Texas. Further, in 2024, he was part of a strike team deployed to California to assist with the harrowing Palisades wildfires.
“This was an especially fulfilling assignment, as I had a great-aunt in Altadena who lost her home of 50 years in the wildfires,” TJ said. “It was a unique opportunity and especially humbling to be part of such a devastating event. There are simply no words to describe the experience in its entirety.”
In addition to his work as a first responder, over the last year, TJ has worked part-time in real estate, as a licensed commercial sales and leasing agent and as a property manager at Reynolds Realty.
“Since starting work here, I’ve had the pleasure of soaking up a fountain of knowledge in leasing, sales, property management, and development from some of the most dedicated professionals in Richard Reynolds and Skylar Rogers,” he said. “I have a passion for the Greater Texarkana Area and recognize the potential for growth.”
TJ and his wife, Kaycee, have three children, A’miyah (11), Asher (5), and Archer (3). Kaycee’s tumultuous pregnancy with Archer and his premature birth were incredibly challenging for the Lomax family.
“My wife and I found out we were pregnant with twin boys in early 2023. Around 20 weeks, we lost one of the babies to Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome,” TJ shared. “Even though we lost baby Logan at 20 weeks, my wife had to carry him throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. After a stressful term, Logan and our surviving baby, Archie, were born at 30 weeks. It was a tough season with lots of change. Archie spent the first month of his life at Willis-Knighton in the NICU, was home for four days, and then spent the next month in the PICU at Little Rock Children’s Hospital with RSV. Everything happened really fast. Getting through that time was difficult for me and my wife, but what we were experiencing was a drop in the bucket compared to what our baby boy was living. We simply took things one day at a time, promised each other to be strong for Archie, and prayed around the clock. After 26 days, we came home with a happy, healthy baby boy. He was and still is a little fighter to this day.”
All of TJ’s children, along with his wife, are his primary inspiration, in and out of the firehouse.
“My family has been my greatest motivation and support system, and they have ultimately helped me be the best version of myself,” he said. “I just want to be a blueprint to my children for how a husband should lead his family and work to instill the right values.”
What book are you currently reading? What Every Body is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People by Joe Navarro
BUDDY HACKLEMAN
31 | Co-owner
Craig’s Custom Truck and Trailer Repair
Two years ago, Buddy Hackleman and his brother, Joe Jr., stepped away from their family’s construction business to build a family business of their own. “In 2024, we purchased Craig’s Welding and rebranded it as Craig’s Custom Truck and Trailer Repair,” Buddy said. “While honoring the traditions and values that built the company, we’ve expanded our services to include professional truck outfitting, while continuing to provide the trailer repair and metal fabrication our customers have trusted for generations.”
On both the trailer and truck sides of the business, Buddy and the team are equipped for virtually any challenge. “We believe that, if it’s broken, we can fix it,” he said.
Though every small-business owner must wear many hats, Buddy’s particular niche is in the truck-outfitting department. “From the moment a customer walks into our showroom, I enjoy helping them find the right products for their needs and professionally installing them,” he said. “I’ve loved customizing trucks since I was a teenager, whether it was working on my own vehicles or helping friends with theirs. What started as a hobby has become my dream career, and I enjoy sharing that same excitement with every customer who trusts us with their truck.”
Three years ago, Buddy and his wife, Morgan, experienced their greatest blessing and greatest challenge: the premature birth of their daughter, Lyla. Morgan had to be airlifted to the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. “It was one of the hardest seasons of our lives,” Buddy said. “I spent countless nights in the hospital with my family, meeting with doctors, then driving back to Texarkana during the week to continue working, before returning on weekends to be with them.”
He said that his Christian faith carried him through that harrowing time.
“Even when things seemed uncertain, we experienced God’s faithfulness in incredible ways,” Buddy shared. “Today, Lyla is a healthy, happy 3-year-old who loves Jesus and loves life. We give God all the glory, honor, and thanks for bringing us through that journey.”
Buddy said that he was raised to be a Christian and that this foundation serves him personally and professionally. In particular, he gives credit to his father.
“The greatest influence in my life has always been my dad, Joe Hackleman Sr.,” he said. “From childhood to adulthood, I’ve watched the way he leads his family, treats people, and carries himself both personally and professionally. If I can become even half the man he is, I’ll consider my life a success.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? My dad always told me, “No matter what happens in life, always do what’s right. No matter the situation, be a man, raise your hand, take responsibility, and make it right.”
KELLI HOUSE
35 | Comptroller
Texarkana Independent School District
Kelli House has spent 13 years working in school finance, but “nothing compares to working for Texarkana ISD,” she said. Embarking on her sixth year of comptroller for the district, Kelli oversees audits, budgets, grants, accounts payable, and payroll.
“But it’s so much more than numbers,” she said. “There isn’t another accounting role where your work directly impacts students, staff, and the community every single day, which brings a sense of pride you can’t find anywhere else.”
The entire House family roots for the Tigers: Kelli’s husband, Cory, is the chef for the Texas High Culinary Arts Academy, and their twins, Knox and Addy, are in the sixth grade at Texas Middle School. “We’re all in,” Kelli said.
When considering the foundation of her career, Kelli credits her grandmother, Vera King, “who began with humble roots and retired as a division chief at Red River Army Depot. Ma was the epitome of a businesswoman who poured into her family,” Kelli said. “She pushed me to finish my master’s degree while raising six-month-old twins. She passed away just a week after I graduated.”
In addition to her grandmother, Kelli named Yolanda Hawkins, Pam VanDeaver, and Anita Clay as especially important in shaping her, both professionally and personally.
“These women pushed me to climb higher while reminding me of a crucial truth: work will always be there, but time with family is a precious daily gift,” Kelli said. “They showed me that leading with faith, prioritizing yourself and your family, and achieving professional excellence go hand-in-hand. Every day at TISD, I carry their wisdom with me, grateful for the chance to serve my community while honoring the legacy of the women who built me.”
Kelli continues the work of the women who built her outside of the office as well—by raising her own children. “As cliche as it sounds, my greatest achievement is the family Cory and I have built,” she said. “Knox and Addy were a big initial surprise being twins, but our world truly revolves around them. Between soccer, robotics, basketball, golf, dance, and theater, life is wonderfully chaotic. Yet, in the middle of all the busyness, we focus on raising kind, independent, God-seeking kids who realize how blessed we truly are. Finding joy together, whether running to the next activity or soaking in a quiet moment at home, is what it’s all about.”
Kelli is a 2026 graduate of Leadership Texarkana. She attends Christian Warrior Church and FiA (Females in Action) Texarkana, a peer-led, zero-cost workout group. In her free time, she prefers to be in her favorite place: “at home and curled up with one of my ‘grandma’ activities and a nice blanket,” she said. “My personal favorite things to do are needlepoint, read, binge-watch the next best documentary on Netflix, and enjoy peace and quiet.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? As a child, I had scoliosis, which resulted in me having back surgery the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I have titanium rods on both sides of my spine.
SAMANTHA HARRIS
39 | Owner and family nurse practitioner
LoneStar Aesthetics & Wellness
Samantha Harris is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a background in emergency medicine. “Over time, I found my passion in aesthetics and wellness,” she said. She opened her business, LoneStar Aesthetics & Wellness, in 2019.
“What began as a vision has grown into a thriving practice with an incredible team and a community of patients who have trusted us with their care,” Samantha said. “Building and owning a business has probably been one of the greatest challenges and greatest gifts of my life. There is no handbook for entrepreneurship. You learn through successes, mistakes, difficult decisions, long hours, and seasons when quitting would certainly be easier. I’ve had to learn how to lead, how to trust myself, how to make difficult decisions, and how to keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan.”
Samantha said that she loves her work because it helps people feel confident “while still looking like themselves.”
“I believe aesthetics should enhance rather than change someone,” she said, “and I’ve built LoneStar around providing honest recommendations, safe treatment, education, and individualized care.”
Another fulfilling aspect of Samantha’s career is teaching other professionals.
“I’m incredibly proud of becoming a national trainer and faculty member for Revance Aesthetics,” she said. “Being able to share what I’ve learned, while continuing to learn and evolve myself, has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. My approach has always been to keep learning and keep going. I don’t believe you ever really ‘arrive.’ There is always another level of growth, both personally and professionally.”
Born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Samantha moved to Texarkana in 2013. Her family members include her husband, Jason; nephew, Aydan (21); stepson, Zach (20); son, Gauge (19); and daughter, Callie (16).
“Motherhood has probably shaped me more than anything else,” Samantha said. “Becoming a mother changed my priorities and gave me a completely different definition of success. I wanted my children to see a mother who loved them fiercely but who also wasn’t afraid to have dreams and pursue them. I’m proud that I’ve shown them that you can work hard, take risks, create something of your own, and continue reinventing yourself at every stage of life.”
Samantha said that she hopes to set an example for other women who dream of both successful professional lives and parenthood.
“One thing I hope people take from my story is that you don’t have to choose between being a mother and having a career,” she said. “It isn’t always balanced, and it definitely isn’t always easy, but I believe women are capable of creating lives that don’t fit neatly into one box.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “You can do hard things.” It’s simple, but it’s something I’ve carried with me through motherhood, school, and building a business.
WILL HUMPHREY
28 | Commercial loan officer
Farmers Bank & Trust
“I believe a community is only as strong as its local businesses,” said Will Humphrey, a Texarkana native and commercial loan officer at Farmers Bank & Trust. “I am very passionate about this community and have a vested interest in seeing this city thrive. Through my role at Farmers, I play an integral part in assisting business owners as they seek to scale their businesses. If businesses within Texarkana are thriving, then the people of this community are also able to thrive.”
After completing his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University in College Station, Will earned an MBA from Texas A&M Texarkana in 2024. In March 2025, he stepped into his current position at Farmers.
“Through my role at Farmers Bank, I get to work alongside community members to map out strategic goals and turn their plans into reality,” he said. “Knowing that my work directly supports local businesses and families is what makes walking through the doors every morning incredibly rewarding.”
Supporting the local community is mission-critical to Will, who is building his family here. He and his wife, Anna, are raising their one-year-old child, Graham, in their shared hometown.
Will is a member of the planning and zoning committee for the City of Texarkana, Texas. He is also an ambassador for the chamber of commerce and sits on their economic development committee. Additionally, he is a member of the TAMUT Alumni Association and a board member for Texarkana’s Community Development Corporation.
Will said that his spiritual life is his top priority. “Above all else, my faith is the foundation of my life,” he said.
What is something most people don’t know about you? There is not a Seinfeld reference that a person could utter that I would not catch. Seinfeld is my favorite show, so notable quotes from it are like a second language to me.
WHITTNEY HUNTER
37 | Regional sales manager
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Whittney Hunter began working in hospitality 18 years ago, as a front desk agent. “I fell in love with the industry,” she said. In remote sales for the last five years, Whittney currently oversees the sales process for 10 Wyndham hotels in Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. She responds to inquiries, assists with employee training, and prospects for new business.
“I’m passionate about the hospitality industry, and I thrive in the sales space,” she said. “I enjoy helping clients with lodging solutions and securing business for my hotels.”
Within the company, Whittney leads what is called the Caregivers Group. “It is a group for employees who care for disabled family members,” she explained. “Leading the Caregivers Group means creating a supportive and inclusive community where caregivers feel seen, heard, and valued. I help connect employees with resources, encourage open conversations, and advocate for the unique needs of caregivers while building a stronger sense of belonging in the workplace.”
Whittney’s insight comes primarily from her own experiences as the mother of a child with complex needs. Her 16-year-old son, Trinton, is profoundly autistic, nonspeaking, a survivor of pediatric stroke, and has cerebral palsy. She said that having a remote, flexible job has allowed her to balance both a career and caring for her son, who is her first priority.
Whittney also speaks to disability issues from her perspective as a person diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
“Both diagnoses have been life-changing,” she said. “They have allowed me to build community, better understand my son, and to get the help, resources, and support I need to excel.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I don’t have an internal dialogue, so I don’t hear my own thoughts in my head.
KENDAL HOWE
32 | Controller
Texarkana College
Though born in Texarkana, Kendal Howe was raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, where her parents were stationed with the Army.
“Growing up in Alaska enabled me to live a life early on that was different in the best ways,” she said. “I’ve been dog sledding, built igloos (not well), and fished out the door of a plane on floats. I was able at a young age to do a lot of really cool, independence- and confidence-building things. It was one big adventure, and it gave me some really awesome experiences that not everyone gets in a lifetime. What a blessing.”
Kendal returned to Texarkana as a teenager and attended Texas High School. She studied accounting at Texas A&M University Texarkana and earned both a BBA and MBA. For almost seven years, she worked in accounting at the Gregg Orr Auto Group before stepping into a career in higher education. She spent six years working at her alma mater before making the move to Texarkana College in July of 2025.
“I do what I do because I like the neatness of it,” Kendal said of accounting. “I was fortunate enough to have a high school math teacher my senior year who made it all make sense. Thank you, teachers everywhere, and thank you, Linda Teeters.”
Kendal said that a career in accounting fits her ideal lifestyle, which includes hobbies, continuing education, travel, and the types of adventures she experienced as a child. One of her greatest experiences and greatest accomplishments happened in August of 2021, when she went Dall sheep hunting with her father in the Alaskan mountains.
“It’s a heck of a story, but the short version is that I trained for nearly a year beforehand to get physically able to carry that much weight for multiple miles,” she said. “We climbed mountains and trekked all through that range, experiencing snow, rain, and breathtaking views that exhibit God’s majesty to the fullest. It took every minute of that hunt to track down the ram I got. It was the most rewarding, most physically and mentally challenging thing I’ve ever done. Safely and successfully completing that has gifted me a confidence unlike anything I’ve done: if I can do that, there isn’t much I can’t do.”
Kendal and her husband, Justin, have been together since their sophomore year of high school. “That man has been one of my greatest blessings,” Kendal said. “He’s the most hardworking person I know, and the life we’ve built together is its own separate blessing I thank God for every day.”
When not working or traveling, Kendal pursues many hobbies: reading, language learning, writing, painting, drawing, crocheting, knitting, sewing, book binding, working out, leather crafting, and even cobbling shoes.
“It’s all very gratifying and brings me a lot of joy to complete something I’ve been working on for a while and gain a new skill,” she said. “There are a lot of good life lessons that come with them, too, and it’s really fun when someone asks where I got something, and I get to say, ‘I made it.’”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “Focus on the what, not the how.” —Mike Rowe’s podcast, The Way I Heard It
AMANDA KAY SHAVERS
39 | Founder
Arc & Root Funding Co.
When Amanda Kay Shavers enrolled at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana in 2014, she was “an unemployed single mother and a nontraditional, first-generation community college student with limited resources,” she said. “I set out to prove that, with the right resources and strategy, a single mother could return to school and have her education fully funded.”
Over the course of four years, she secured more than $100,000 through grants, scholarships, and student support resources. She took on no student debt.
Amanda now holds an associate’s from UAHT, a bachelor’s from Arkansas Tech, and a master’s in nonprofit administration from Louisiana State University–Shreveport. For nearly 10 years, she professionally helped other students pursue education without taking on debt, teaching students “how to navigate complex systems, uncover overlooked resources, and build a strategy around their circumstances and goals,” she explained. “I found a path forward for myself, but I am proudest that I did not keep it to myself.”
Last April, Amanda pivoted, founding Art & Root Funding Co. Arc & Root is a for-profit nonprofit consultancy focused on funding strategy and organizational development. “I built a for-profit business that exists to strengthen the nonprofit sector,” she said. “Funding is a human experience. Behind every organization, application, and funding decision are real people trying to make a difference. I help strengthen the systems behind that work.”
The seed of Arc & Root was planted when members of a local nonprofit organization approached Amanda for advice about securing grant funding.
“I knew writing one or two applications would do little for its long-term sustainability, so I worked with the executive director to build the knowledge and capacity to pursue future opportunities independently,” she said. “That experience confirmed a larger gap: many organizations were seeking funding before they had the structure, documentation, capacity, or understanding of strategy to support it. Nonprofit leaders are often doing meaningful work without the systems or strategic support needed to sustain it. My role is to help them see the whole picture and build a realistic path forward.”
Amanda is a volunteer with Miller County Emergency Management. She sits on the board of the Scholars ARC Foundation and is a member of the Leadership Texarkana class of 2026.
“Leadership Texarkana has been one of the most formative experiences of my life,” she said. “It opened doors to meaningful relationships, professional support, encouragement, and a community of people who genuinely want to see one another succeed.”
First Choice Pregnancy is another organization that is important to Amanda. She utilized their services as a pregnant 16-year-old child and later returned to work for them while completing graduate school. “I had the experience and wisdom to help young women look beyond their immediate circumstances and recognize what was still possible for their lives,” she said. “The work felt deeply personal because I understood the weight of the chair on the other side of the table.”
Amanda is now a mother of five: Aleigh (22), Cameron (19), Harleigh (14), Kayleigh (4), and Khaden (3).
What is something most people don’t know about you? As an online student at Arkansas Tech University, I secured a scholarship that allowed me to study terrorism and political conflict in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
DR. SETH HALE
39 | Cardiologist
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
Dr. Seth Hale and his wife, Vonnie, met as undergraduate students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. “From the very beginning, she has been my source of strength, perspective, and encouragement,” Seth said. “Together we’ve experienced life’s greatest joys, as well as significant medical challenges that have shaped both our family and my career.”
The couple married in 2007. A few short years later, while Seth was in his second year of medical school at UT Health San Antonio, Vonnie underwent open-heart surgery, a major first in her lifelong journey with a congenital heart disease. Watching his young wife face this tribulation inspired Seth to pursue a cardiac speciality.
“Experiencing that as both a husband and a medical student profoundly changed me,” he said. “Years later, she required another major cardiac operation, and together we faced the uncertainty, fear, and hope that come with serious illness once again. Those experiences forever changed how I practice medicine. Her journey also played a significant role in my decision to become a cardiologist. I know what it feels like to sit in a waiting room, to anxiously wait for updates and trust someone else with the life of the person you love most. That perspective continues to guide every patient interaction I have.”
After medical school, Seth completed his cardiology and interventional cardiology training in Ann Arbor and at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His family relocated to Texarkana in July 2020 when he accepted a position at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital. Here, Seth practices as an interventional and structural cardiologist, focusing on the treatment of heart attacks, complex coronary artery disease, and structural heart conditions. “I am proud of helping build advanced cardiovascular programs that allow patients throughout Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas to receive highly specialized cardiac care close to home rather than traveling long distances,” he said.
Seth, who grew up throughout Louisiana, with stints in Dallas and Denver, said that “Texarkana has truly become home” to his family. He and Vonnie have two children, Brett (18) and Ainsley (12). Brett is a student at the University of Arkansas, and Ainsley is a local middle schooler. At Temple Memorial’s 2026 Dancing With Our Stars event, Seth and Vonnie competed as dancers and won the voters’ choice award.
“I believe physicians have a responsibility not only to care for patients in the hospital but also to invest in the communities they serve,” Seth said. “I believe success isn’t measured by titles or accomplishments but by how much you contribute to the lives of others. My goal has always been to serve my patients, my family, and my community with excellence, compassion, and integrity.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? Before becoming a physician, I worked as a park ranger.
BLAKE MONTGOMERY
34 | Attorney
Montgomery Law Firm
A personal-injury attorney, Blake Montgomery believes that his professional purpose is larger than winning cases.
“I believe every accident is preventable, and when someone is hurt, I work very hard to identify the cause or causes of the problem,” he said. “Most of the time, it’s due to a company cutting corners by having poorly trained employees or poorly maintained equipment. My job is to make sure that companies remember that there is a cost to cutting corners and that there is value to the dignity of human life, since each person, no matter their situation in life, bears the image of God and is worth protecting.”
A product of Hope Public Schools and the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Blake earned his undergraduate degree at 19 and his law degree at 22, both from the University of Arkansas. After achieving the top score on the Arkansas Bar Exam, he returned to Hope to open a law firm. Two years ago, he and his wife, Hannah, relocated the firm and their family to Texarkana. Blake said that the firm has steadily grown over the 12 years since its founding.
“Since [2022], we’ve done about $20 million in total recoveries for injured people,” he shared. “My greatest compliment is when a lawyer or doctor refers people to me, because their referrals aren’t based on reputation—they’re based on results.”
Hannah and Blake have two children, Andrew (5) and Ellie (4). Blake teaches Sunday school at his church and is a member of The Gideons International. A self-described “lifelong learner,” he holds a master’s degree in theological studies in addition to his juris doctorate.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I spent a summer studying international law at Downing College in Cambridge, England. (England is a place I have sworn to spend another summer before I die!)
ETHAN PORTERFIELD
37 | Owner
Porterfield Trucking
From a young age, Ethan Porterfield realized the power of role models.
“I’ve never been afraid to ask questions or learn from people I respect,” he said. “Brice Cranford [of Cranford Tree Service and Land Management] was someone I looked up to when I was younger, and I was always asking him questions and paying attention to how he did things. Years later, he told me that knowing I was always watching pushed him to keep doing more and setting a better example. It showed me that influence can go both ways.”
Ethan came to understand this firsthand when he became a father in his early 20s. His two children, Grace (16) and Eli (15), have grown up witnessing their dad build Porterfield Trucking—and their watchful eyes have shaped him and the business.
“Becoming a father at a young age was probably one of the biggest challenges that shaped me,” he said. “I was working full-time, raising two kids, and trying to figure out how to make it all work. I didn’t have everything figured out, and honestly, a lot of it was learning as I went. It made me grow up quickly and gave me a reason to want more for myself. I wanted my kids to grow up seeing that you can work hard, take chances, and make something for yourself. A lot of what I’ve built came from wanting to provide for them and show them what was possible.”
Ethan said that he began building his company almost 11 years ago “from the ground-up.” While it began as a way for Ethan to support himself and his family, the company now employs numerous other people as well.
“I started small and used the tools and things I had learned from previous jobs to figure it out as I went,” he said. “There have been a lot of long days, mistakes, sacrifices, and lessons over the last 11 years. I’m proud of the growth, but I’m probably most proud that I’ve been able to build something bigger than myself. Today, the business gives me the opportunity not only to support my kids but to create jobs and provide a way for other people to support their families, too. That’s probably one of the biggest reasons I continue to do what I do.”
An active father, Ethan is the parent captain of the Genoa High School Fishing Team. He said that he also supports local schools, youth programs, charities, and community events through Porterfield Trucking. “This community has supported us over the years, and I believe it’s important to support it in return,” he said.
In his free time, Ethan enjoys doing “anything outdoors. I enjoy going to the lake, riding side-by-sides and dirt bikes, hunting, fishing, and spending time with my kids, family, and friends,” he said. “Some of my favorite memories are just weekends at the lake or being outside with the people I care about.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “If you don’t do it, somebody else will. But don’t be scared to make mistakes.” Mike Wooten gave me that advice, and it’s something that has stuck with me throughout my career. Starting a business means you’re going to make mistakes. You can’t let being afraid of making the wrong decision keep you from making a decision at all.
EMILY ORR
31 | Distribution team
Four States Living Magazine
While earning her associate’s degree at Texarkana College, lifelong Texarkana resident Emily Orr faced one of the greatest ongoing challenges of her life: epilepsy.
“The second semester of my freshman year, my life flipped upside down,” she said. “That semester, I was taking 12 hours, and they were harder classes. I wasn’t getting a lot of sleep, and I was stressing more than usual. I remember being in Mrs. Cindy Ramage’s public speaking class when my first seizure happened. The class had just concluded, and people started to leave. All of a sudden, my body started shaking, and I lost consciousness. Teachers and students and my caregiver, Vivian Miller, rushed to help. They called an ambulance and got me to the hospital. That was the day I started having seizures. Ten years later, I still have seizures, but I take medication to lessen them and try to get plenty of rest, hydrate, and avoid stress. I’m grateful for Dr. John Hueter, my neurologist, and his nurse Margot for keeping up with me.”
Emily is a member of the Four States Living Magazine team, working primarily as a monthly distributor. Specifically, she and Ms. Miller deliver magazines each month to locations in Hope and Washington, Arkansas. Emily said that Ms. Miller is one of the most important people in her life.
“I met Ms. Vivian Miller at Texas Middle School, when I was in the sixth grade,” she said. “Her job was to assist me by doing the things I physically couldn’t do throughout the day. When I graduated from high school and decided I wanted to go to college, Ms. Miller left TISD to help me get through college. Ms. Miller is the strongest, most thoughtful person I’ve ever known. She teaches me how to try to be better every single day.”
A lover of the arts, Emily volunteers at the Regional Arts Center, monitoring the first floor, helping walk-in visitors, and assisting people over the phone. Additionally, each summer, she volunteers at the Texarkana Children’s Charity Open golf tournament for Runnin’ WJ Ranch.
Emily is an adaptive athlete. In her youth, she rode horses at Runnin’ WJ Ranch, bowled weekly, and participated in the Special Olympics. As a child she also tried snow skiing for the first time on a family vacation to New Mexico; she has maintained her passion for the sport into adulthood, skiing in Colorado whenever she has the chance. And, in 2022, she discovered a love of water skiing through Texas Adaptive Aquatics Tyler.
“I’m sort of a daredevil,” she said.
Accessible travel is important to Emily, who has visited numerous countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Mexico. Domestically, she enjoys cruising in Alaska, sightseeing in New York City, and taking road trips to see her boyfriend, Erik, in Springfield, Illinois.
Recreationally, Emily participates remotely in the Austin-based women’s choir Tapestry Singers. She is also a member of a national movie group called the Cinephiles; they watch and discuss a different film each week.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Last year, I went to Fayetteville to see comedian Matt Matthews. When he started working the crowd, he picked me to joke with. The video went viral (almost a million likes). Random people come up to me and say they recognize me from TikTok!
MADDY NEATHERY
33 | Community and media content specialist
Red River Credit Union
For eight years, Maddy Neathery has worked in marketing at Red River Credit Union. She said that she loves putting her professional skills to work in service of the greater good.
“I have a degree in mass communication, so getting into the marketing field aligned perfectly with my skills,” she said. “Not only do I get to do something I enjoy every single day, but I also get to do good in my local community. Credit unions are founded on people helping people. Being able to get paid to help my neighbor is truly a dream come true.”
In her time at RRCU, Maddy has worked her way up the ladder from marketing assistant to her current role as community and media content specialist. She is also on the event committee and fundraising committee for RRCU Gives, the credit union’s charitable foundation that helps local nonprofits addressing issues of hunger, housing, and financial education. RRCU Gives raises money throughout the year through employee giving, fundraisers, and, most recently, the Give Back Game, a community basketball event.
Maddy said that she owes her success to her friends and family.
“I would not be where I am today without the support system that I have always had around me,” she said. “Growing up in church, I learned the importance of community and having people around you who help you grow. Most people know the phrase ‘it takes a village’ when it comes to raising children, but I think it takes a village in every stage of life. From family to friends and coworkers, I am blessed to have a community of people around me who I can rely on.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I spent a summer in New England in college working with local nonprofits and food banks. That summer put me so far out of my comfort zone, and I am grateful for the experiences and growth it gave me.
AUSTIN NIX
26 | Business development officer
Bodcaw Bank
Before returning to his hometown to work in the banking business, Austin Nix was a member of the University of Arkansas football team. “That experience taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of showing up prepared every day,” he said. “Competing at that level shaped the way I approach challenges in my personal and professional life, and it continues to influence the way I lead, serve, and build relationships.”
The relational aspect of community banking is key for Austin. “I accepted this role because it gives me the opportunity to be active in the community, build meaningful relationships, and help people pursue goals that matter to them,” he said. “Relationship-building has always been a natural part of who I am, whether in high school, college, or my professional career. In this role, I get to combine that passion with the ability to support local families, business owners, and community members as they work to make their dreams a reality.”
Austin is the husband of Baylee Nix. He is currently the vice president of the Arkansas High School Athletic Foundation and has been accepted into the incoming Leadership Texarkana class. Further, he is involved with LifeWise Academy of Texarkana and the University of Arkansas’ A Club, a group for former student-athletes.
Professionally, Austin’s current goal is to help small businesses. “I enjoy learning about a business owner’s vision, understanding the challenges they are facing, and finding ways to connect them with resources that can help them grow,” he said. “Small businesses are a major part of what makes our community strong, and being able to play even a small role in their success is something I take pride in.”
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? “The people you allow to swim in your circle matter; they can either float you up toward your goals or sink you down to the bottom.” —Coach Brad Davis, former offensive line coach at the University of Arkansas
QUEENIE MILLER
33 | Industrial engineer
This is not Queenie Miller’s first time in a “40 Under 40” publication; while working as an engineer at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, she was featured on Tire Review Magazine’s national list.
“It was an incredible honor to be recognized alongside other young professionals making an impact in the tire industry, and it made me really proud of how far I had come in my career,” she said.
In 2022, Queenie moved to Day & Zimmerman, where she was selected for a Betterment Award, recognizing her commitment to continuous improvement and making a positive impact within the organization. She said that formal recognition is valuable, but she is most proud of the example she is setting for other women in engineering, a traditionally male-dominated career.
“I’ve had the opportunity to take on challenging assignments, lead projects, solve problems, and continue growing in a field where women are still underrepresented,” she said. “I hope that the young women coming behind me see that there is a place for them in STEM and that they don’t have to limit themselves when choosing a career.”
Queenie and her husband, Lithopolis, have two children, Mackenzie (6) and LJ (3), with a third on the way. “My family is truly my greatest blessing,” she said. “They keep me grounded, keep me laughing, and remind me every day of what matters most.”
Unfortunately, her current season of pregnancy has not been without hardship: Queenie’s professional position as engineer was recently eliminated, and she therefore lost her job and livelihood.
“I had to remind myself that a closed door doesn’t mean God has stopped working,” she said. “The experience reminded me that my value isn’t tied to a job title or a particular position. It also taught me that sometimes we don’t understand why we’re being redirected until much later. I came out of that experience with a clearer sense of who I am beyond my career, a deeper trust in God’s plan, and a greater appreciation for the life I’ve built outside of my work.”
That life outside of work is robust. Queenie previously served as the fundraising chair for the Junior League of Texarkana, and for several years, she sat on Leadership Texarkana’s executive board. She is a longtime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
“From an early age, my mom instilled in me the importance of giving back, and community service has become a big part of who I am,” she said. “One of the things I love most about Texarkana is that people genuinely care about one another. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many individuals who are passionate about making our community a better place, and that spirit of service continues to inspire me.”
Originally from Madison, Mississippi, Queenie met her husband at Mississippi State University. He took a job at Domtar, and she followed him to the Ark-La-Tex. “I like to tell people that I moved to Texarkana for love,” she said. “But what started as a move for my husband quickly became so much more. I fell in love with the community, the people, and the life we are building here. Nearly 10 years later, Texarkana is home. This is where we’re building our careers, raising our family, making lifelong friendships, and contributing to a community that we truly adore.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I’m named after my maternal great-grandmother, Queen Esther, who was herself named after Queen Esther in the Bible. I’ve always admired the strength, courage, and leadership associated with both women, so carrying her name feels especially meaningful to me. It’s a piece of my family history that I’m proud to carry forward.
DALTON CRABTREE
31 | Assistant vice president and regional branch coordinator
Texana Bank
A full-time Texana Bank employee for almost five years, Dalton Crabtree oversees multiple bank branches, which allows him to influence numerous colleagues as individuals as well as the bank as an entity.
“Creating opportunities to lead employee initiatives that positively impact both team members and the organization is an accomplishment I gratefully value,” he said.
In addition to his day job, Dalton is a landlord, co-owning several rental properties throughout town. When not at Texana Bank or managing his investment properties, Dalton enjoys golfing and spending time with his daughter: three-year-old Denver.
“Becoming a dad, watching her learn, grow, and just how carefree she is—it really brings joy to my life,” he said.
Dalton is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Texarkana. “My experience with Leadership Texarkana was very impactful,” he said. “The experience broadened my perspective on community leadership and reinforced the importance of serving others through both my professional and personal life.”
An avid golfer, Dalton said that participating in charity golf tournaments is one of his favorite ways to give back to the community.
“These tournaments are much more than a day on the golf course,” he said. “They are meaningful opportunities to help raise awareness and funding for organizations that make a positive impact across our community. I feel fortunate to represent the bank at these events and contribute to causes that improve the lives of others.”
Dalton emphasized that working at Texana Bank empowers him to give back regularly.
“I am thankful to work for an organization that encourages community involvement and values giving back,” he said.
What book are you currently reading? Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey
ERIC OSBURN
35 | Registered nurse and administrator
Elara Caring
Eric Osburn is a leader before, at, and after work. Prior to sunrise, he serves as the director of F3 Texarkana, a local chapter of the national workout network for men.
“Serving as the leader for F3 Texarkana has allowed me to mentor and develop men into leaders who are making a positive impact in their families, workplaces, and our community,” Eric said. “The early mornings, workouts, and relationships built through F3 have become an important part of my life because they combine physical challenge with community and personal growth.”
When the work day begins, Eric clocks in as a nurse and administrator for Elara Caring, where he oversees multiple branches, staffs, and operations throughout East Texas. As a provider in an administrative role, Eric derives the most joy from helping his teams succeed.
“When my teams are supported and our operations run well, patients benefit—and that’s what drives me,” he said. “As both a nurse and an administrator, there is no greater reward than seeing your teams achieve extraordinary results while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.”
Eric earned his bachelor’s in nursing from Southern Arkansas University—but the path to his profession was not without hardship.
“One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was not passing nursing school the first time I attended,” he said. “I returned to nursing school, successfully graduated, and later earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing. That experience taught me that failure is often preparation rather than defeat.”
After work, Eric’s attention belongs to his family: he and his wife, Katie, have two sons, Brooks (8) and Hudson (6). They “continually remind me that the most important leadership happens at home,” he said.
What book are you currently reading? Tribe of Millionaires by David Osborn & Pat Hiban
KATELYN WOOTEN
25 | Development specialist
CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center
In 2022, young college student Katelyn Wooten survived a serious car accident. The experience altered the trajectory of her life.
“Before the accident, I was convinced I was going to work in the medical field,” she said, “but afterward, I struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Just talking about what happened to me or even the sight of blood would take me right back to that moment. It became clear that I needed to rethink the future I had always pictured for myself.”
Katelyn began her career as development coordinator of the Texarkana Alzheimer’s Alliance. Recently, she transitioned into her current role: development specialist for CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center.
“I am passionate about Texarkana, and I believe strong communities are built through meaningful connections,” she said. “I enjoy bringing people, businesses, and organizations together to create partnerships that make a lasting impact. Whether it’s developing relationships, supporting community initiatives, or helping organizations grow, I’m passionate about creating opportunities that benefit everyone involved and leaving my community stronger than I found it.”
Katelyn is a Texarkana native and lives here with her husband, Cody. She is deeply involved in the Junior League of Texarkana; in fact, she is the current president-elect of the 100-year-old women’s organization.
“When Jade Harris [the current president] first approached me about considering the role, my immediate thought was, ‘Me? How could I ever be president?’” Katelyn shared. “Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much the League has shaped me. The Junior League has given me some of my dearest friendships and surrounded me with women who encourage, challenge, and inspire one another to become the best versions of themselves. It has helped me grow in ways I never imagined possible.”
In her roles at work and with JLT, Katelyn finds fulfillment in helping people work together for the common good.
“Watching businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community members come together to support a shared mission—and knowing I played a role in creating those connections—is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Seeing those relationships translate into meaningful results for the organizations I serve reminds me why I chose a career centered on community engagement and development.”
Though she once dreamed of working in medicine, Katelyn believes that her path has unfolded as it was meant to.
“Looking back, that detour ended up putting me exactly where I was supposed to be,” she said. “It opened doors to meaningful work, incredible relationships, and opportunities to serve my community in ways I never imagined. The experience taught me that sometimes life’s biggest setbacks end up becoming your greatest blessings.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I have watched every Harry Potter movie at least 30 times.
ANDREA KELLEY
39 | Owner and trainer
Resilience Studios
Andrea Kelley, known by many as Coach Cookie, spent 16 years working for the State of Texas as a licensed social worker. “I thought that would be my forever career until retirement,” she said. “I grew to love the work I did and the people I worked with. It was perfect for me and my life.”
In January 2020, everything changed. While working out at a local gym, members of the staff approached her and offered her a training job. Andrea was relatively new to fitness—“I never played sports or did anything remotely active until I was a full-blown adult,” she said—but was an enthusiastic latecomer. She accepted the job, attained certification, and began training in one-on-one and group settings.
Andrea went on to open Resilience Studios, first in a rented space before purchasing a building in downtown Texarkana in 2022. “The place had no A/C, no plumbing, carpet from the 1950s, and only about four lights that worked,” she said. “It was a hot mess, but it was my hot mess. We have done a lot of work, but there is still a lot more to do—and I am living every moment.”
Reflecting Andrea’s passion for women’s empowerment through movement, Resilience Studios offers dance classes, hip-hop step aerobics, pole fitness, and boxing classes. They are even available for private parties. “It is a safe space for women to heal and grow, with mental and emotional support in every class,” Andrea said. “Even as the instructor, I come to class and get refilled.”
Becoming a business owner was never something Andrea aspired to, but the challenging path has been exceptionally fulfilling.
“I have hit many walls and had to advocate and stand in the gap so many times, but it has by far been the most rewarding—because it’s mine,” she said. “My success is based on me.”
One standout challenge was getting approval to install signage on her historic downtown building.
“The board argued that there was ‘legacy’ in keeping the previous name on the building,” Andrea explained. “It was so heartwarming to be able to say it was not my responsibility to uphold the previous legacy, but it was my responsibility to create a legacy for my family.”
In addition to her work as Coach Cookie, Andrea is also a social work lecturer at Texas A&M Texarkana.
“I have always loved teaching,” she said. “I was offered the job, and, very nervously, I accepted. I love touching the next generation of social workers and being able to connect them to community partners for exposure to real-world experiences.”
Andrea is married to Andre Kelley. She has five children, Courtney (22), Ny’Dreyia (17), Ayden (17), Xander (6), and Maddox (6). Ayden, who founded the Texarkana Juneteenth Parade, was featured in the 2023 “Fabulous 40 & Under.” Andrea is a coordinator of the event. Additionally, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a mentor for the TAMUT women’s basketball team, and host of the podcast Resilience Rising.
What book are you currently reading? Finding Me: An Inspiring Story of Resilience, Self-Discovery, and Finding Your Voice by Viola Davis
DREXLER JOHN DE GUZMAN
26 | Musician
Born and raised in the Philippines, Drexler John De Guzman—known professionally as Drexler John—moved to Texarkana in June of 2021, after a rush to immigrate to the United States before his 21st birthday.
“My family and some relatives here in the US chipped in funds to get me here as soon as possible because I needed to land on US soil before I turned 21 [on May 11th, 2021], or else I’d be deported due to an ‘aging out’ rule,” he said. “By God’s grace, we landed in the United States at LAX on May 9th, two days before I turned 21.”
Drexler is a self-described singer-songwriter, performer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, musician, and mixing/mastering engineer. He has recorded and released five albums, beginning with his 2022 debut, Child of God.
“Being a one-man band, I did everything from vocals, instruments, songwriting, arranging, producing, mixing, and mastering,” he said. “All of this hard work paid off, for I have achieved more than 2,500,000 streams on all five albums combined, and I’m currently working on my sixth single and album, which will be released soon.”
Drexler’s love for music dates to his early childhood. “My first official performance occurred at the age of 3 or 4, when I sang at my auntie’s wedding,” he said. “By age 6 or 7, I joined my first talent show [at school]. My dad chose this horrid song for me to perform in said talent show, and after my performance, I felt relieved that I was no longer going to sing it again—until my school made me perform it again during our graduation. It wasn’t until the age of 11, when I rediscovered the music of The Beatles, that I really wanted to pursue music full-time. At the age of 17, I started writing songs, even using one of my own compositions to represent our class for a competition. I have now written over 60 songs.”
Once settled in Texarkana, Drexler began online college, earning a degree in audio production from Full Sail University. Concurrently, he wasted no time getting involved in the local music and service scenes. Over the last five years, Drexler has performed at The Eagle, Fat Jacks, Hopkins Icehouse, The Primary Commons, The Wild Hare, and Redbone Magic Brewing Co., as well as Cosmic Crossroads. He is an active member of LNK TXK and Kiwanis Club of Texarkana.
“Joining LNK TXK was a real game-changer,” he said. “Over time, by joining in their outreaches and functions, I made so many more friends and connections, which developed my confidence and enthusiasm. And [finding] the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana was an answered prayer after asking God to expand my ministry.”
Many miles from Manila, Drexler is grateful to have landed in Texarkana. “Being an immigrant from the Philippines, I did not know anybody or anything about Texarkana, but as I followed God and went wherever he led me, I made many friends by volunteering and attending events hosted by churches, businesses, and various organizations. It was through these friendships that I truly began to feel Texarkana was home.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? Dancing and acting are my secret talents. I used to join group dance competitions when I was in school, and I also grew up performing characters in monologues and plays.
DR. MADELINE SMITH
39 | Owner
GoodLuxe and Salty Boutique & Books
By the time she opened her first local retail business, Dr. Madeline Smith had already worked in nonprofit administration, founded a consulting firm, and published multiple nonfiction books on healthcare and health insurance.
“I’m the founder and CEO of MADDRS, pronounced ‘matters,’ which stands for ‘Making a Difference Directing Real Strategy,’” said Madeline, who holds an MBA and doctorate in business administration. “Companies hire me to figure out where the money from employer health plans is actually going and how to make it all work better and more affordably without sacrificing patient care.”
Her two books, the Whole Lotta $$$ in This MOFO series, break down healthcare and insurance mechanisms for employers and patients. The third book is scheduled for release next March. Last year, she launched a national benefit product called SugarCoded. “I am committed to making healthcare in America better wherever I can,” she said.
Despite her ongoing passion for healthcare, Madeline said that she is currently “in the middle of a deliberate pivot.” She and her husband, Scottie, own two beloved local spots: Salty Boutique & Books, by Target, and Broad Street’s cozy coffee shop, GoodLuxe. Madeline shared that she is spending more time than ever at Salty and GoodLuxe.
“The local businesses are where my true heart is,” she said. “I love when someone tries something new at GoodLuxe or discovers Salty for the first time. Getting to bring new things to Texarkana, being a place people love to visit and work, and supporting other local businesses to build community all feel purpose-driven and fulfilling for me.”
Madeline and Scottie have three sons, JR (16), Tate (11), and Ray (9). The family attends Radiant Church, which Madeline said “has been a great blessing.”
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Illinois, Madeline said that she always wanted to end up in Texas. She and her family moved to Rockwall in 2017 and then Texarkana in 2021.
“It’s a wild story,” she said. “We had never been here before and had only seen Texarkana on a highway sign driving out of Dallas. We were actually under contract on a house in Lufkin, had sold our house and packed up, and then the sale fell through on the seller’s side at the last minute. We were devastated and out of time, but we see now that it was all meant to be. During our original search, I had saved a picture of a house [in Texarkana] because I was obsessed with the kitchen. I went back to that listing, we came out for a showing the next day, and we fell in love. We made an offer that night, and the rest is history. Now this is home.”
When not offering consultancy services, writing, or running the shops, Madeline enjoys running, doing yoga, inventing new recipes for GoodLuxe, and watching her children play sports.
“I’ve never believed you have to pick just one identity,” she said. I’m both a consultant and an author, both an operator and a creative, both a successful CEO and a mom who forgets the field trip form.”
What book are you currently reading? We the Patients by client Matthew Zachary and Long Bright River by Liz Moore
WILLIAM THOMPSON
39 | Principal
Liberty-Eylau High School
“I was fortunate to have teachers throughout my life who believed in me and pushed me to be better,” said Will Thompson, Liberty-Eylau High School principal. “Someone took the time to invest in me, and I want to do the same for the students I serve. If I can positively impact even a few students, then I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.”
Prior to his current role, Will worked for 17 years as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal.
“I do what I do because I want to make a difference in students’ lives,” he said. “My greatest achievement is seeing students succeed and knowing that I played some part in helping them get there. Whether they go to college, start a career, play sports at the next level, or simply become a good, successful adult, I am proud when I know I had a small part in their journey.”
Will has been married for 20 years to his wife, Sarah, who works at Pleasant Grove ISD. They have three daughters: McKenna (18), Marley (13), and Maebry (10). For the past five years, Will has coached Marley and Maebry’s PGYA basketball teams.
“I’m proud of the life that my wife and I have made for our daughters and the family we share together,” Will said. “Being a husband and a dad has taught me so much about love, sacrifice, and putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own.”
Will’s first year as LEHS principal required immense self-sacrifice. In August 2024, Sarah was in a car accident, and during the testing that followed, doctors found a tumor between her C2 and C5 vertebrae.
“This happened just as I was starting my first year as principal at Liberty-Eylau High School, the biggest job and opportunity of my career up to that point,” Will said. “Suddenly, I was trying to learn a new job while also being there for my wife and family.” Sarah needed surgery to remove the tumor and underwent spinal fusion. “We spent countless hours in doctors’ offices that school year and almost a week in the hospital for her surgery.”
Will said that the support they received from Liberty-Eylau and Pleasant Grove made all the difference to his family. “The people at Liberty-Eylau ISD were incredibly understanding when I needed to be with Sarah or step away from school, and the Pleasant Grove community was there for Sarah in the same way,” he shared. “The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of being there for others when they are going through difficult times.”
When reflecting on the factors that have shaped him, Will emphasized that he is being continually shaped every day. “Coaching, becoming an administrator, and working with students have all reinforced for me how important relationships are,” he said. “I have learned that people don’t always remember exactly what you said or did, but they remember how you made them feel and whether they knew you cared. The difficult things our family has gone through have also reminded me how important it is to have people around you who care and are willing to support you. All of those experiences have shaped the way I try to lead and the way I try to treat people.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? When I was in middle school, my church youth choir had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Mets game in New York City. I still enjoy singing—but these days, it’s mostly in the car.
MYLISA THIELS
35 | Speech-language pathologist
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
At work, she is called “Tigger” and “a hummingbird on Red Bull.” “I hold myself to a standard of excellence, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring!” said MyLisa Thiels, the speech-language pathologist known for her high energy and positive attitude. “I believe joy is contagious and is good for the soul, just like in Proverbs 17:22. A joyful heart is good medicine. That’s me in a nutshell.”
MyLisa’s professional specialty is helping adults with neurological conditions, such as people who have experienced strokes, brain injuries, or Parkinson’s disease.
“I have worked with patients [struggling] with memory and problem solving, communication, swallowing, speech, or voice issues that can detrimentally affect function and quality of life,” she said. “In the past 11 years, I have seen miracles. I’ve seen the excitement when someone learns how to safely eat again. I’ve seen the triumph when a patient with difficulty producing words tells his wife, ‘I love you.’ I’ve felt the joy when someone with a voice problem can sing again. That is why I do what I do.”
Two years ago, MyLisa felt called to expand her reach as an SLP. She also wanted to start a family business with her husband, Daniel, who is a captain at the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department. “We’re aligned deeply on serving others,” she said. “What made sense for us was opening a mobile FEES business called Joy Speech.” FEES stands for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. “It uses nasal endoscopy while eating and drinking to assess safety and provide diet recommendations for people having trouble swallowing,” she explained. “It’s going to increase access and reduce wait times for patients in Texarkana and the surrounding areas who need this type of assessment.” Joy Speech is not yet in operation, but MyLisa said that it is “like a rocket that’s building itself as it’s taking off—and we’re about to launch.”
MyLisa and Daniel are the parents of two “sassy, hilarious, sweet-hearted girls,” Leighton (6) and Hannah (3). The family attends Church on the Rock, where MyLisa serves in the KidZone. She said that, in her limited free time, she is often carrying her daughters to visit Daniel at the firehouse or spending time at her sister’s house “so the six Gammon/Thiels children can hang out together.”
As someone in a helping profession, MyLisa is “no stranger to burnout,” she said. “The times I’ve experienced this, I prayed consistently about what God was doing, as it was evident something needed to change. I also got more comfortable with saying ‘no’ and defining clearer boundaries to protect the peace in my heart and mind. Every single time, God came through with the next good thing for me that was always better than anything I could have thought of myself.”
What book are you currently reading? This is my third or fourth time going through “The Bible Recap,” which is reading through the Bible in a year’s time. I can’t get enough of it, and I learn new things every time. Highly recommend!
TIA WILLIAMS
39 | Esthetician and owner
EMperfected Beauty
When Tia Williams was a teenager, she did not understand why her body behaved differently than her friends’. “I experienced unwanted hair growth, hormonal acne, inflammation, scarring, and other changes that can make a young woman question her femininity and confidence,” she said. “When you do not understand why your body is changing, it is very easy to believe something is simply wrong with you. Eventually, I learned to become my own advocate.”
Receiving the diagnoses of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; formerly PCOS) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) was life-changing for Tia, who, during the “lockdown” era of the COVID-19 pandemic, began communicating with other sufferers over the internet.
“While the world was slowing down, I began connecting with women online who were navigating many of the same concerns,” she said. “I joined support groups, participated in consultations, hosted virtual Zoom conversations, and shared what I had learned through more than two decades of living with hormonal imbalance. Those conversations helped me recognize something important: women were not simply searching for products or treatments. They were searching for someone who understood. That realization became part of the foundation for EMperfected Beauty.”
As a professional esthetician, Tia especially loves supporting women experiencing PMOS, HS, menopause, hormonal acne, unwanted facial hair, hyperpigmentation, and other skin changes that can accompany hormonal transitions. “I can speak to [those clients] not only from professional education but from lived experience,” she said. “I know what it feels like to sit on the other side of the conversation.”
Outside of the treatment room, Tia has shared her expertise through nonprofits such as The Scholars, Salvation Army, Collins Senior Center, Texarkana Arkansas Parks and Recreation, and Las Amigas Debutantes. Partnering with the City of Texarkana Homeless Coalition was an especially meaningful experience for Tia.
“For approximately two years, I independently provided complimentary facials, hand treatments, and massage services to individuals experiencing homelessness,” she said. “I will never forget watching people who carried so much simply close their eyes and relax. My clients even became part of the effort by contributing hygiene products. That experience changed how I viewed my profession. Beauty and wellness can sometimes be perceived as luxuries, but I learned that caring for another person can restore confidence, dignity, and a sense of humanity. That is the kind of beauty work I want my name attached to.”
Additionally, Tia serves with the Texarkana International Rotary, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP, LNK TXK, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Texarkana Bi-City Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Last September, she founded the Legacy Heart Walk, after losing her father to heart disease. This year’s walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I am naturally an introvert. Leadership and professional experiences taught me how to step outside of that comfort zone, but faith taught me something even greater: I do not have to be the loudest person in the room for my voice to matter.
JADE HARRIS
31 | Math teacher
Pleasant Grove High School
Expecting her first child at the end of the month, Jade Harris already lives a life in service of youth. She is in her 10th year of teaching, holds a master’s degree in educational leadership, and is the current president of the Junior League of Texarkana, an organization dedicated to the welfare of local children. She is also the older sibling to two brothers, one of whom is 22 years her junior.
“Being a big sister is one of my favorite hats I wear,” Jade said. “My family is so important to me, and I have always loved having little brothers. I am excited to watch them become uncles.”
A product of Red Lick ISD and Hooks ISD, Jade completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas A&M Texarkana. She currently teaches algebra and geometry at Pleasant Grove High School. “As a teacher, every time a student gains confidence in their math abilities, that makes me proud,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and creating spaces and moments where teenagers can build themselves up academically is basically living the dream for me. I learned so much from my professors at TAMUT about creating a school environment where every student feels valued and successful.”
Jade also runs a balloon business called What’s Poppin’. “What started out as just wanting a cute arch for friends’ celebrations turned into a full-blown side business,” she said. “I’m so grateful for everyone who has booked with me and all the special memories I get to be a small part of. I love creating something new and different. I am always down for a good theme or interesting color combo that I haven’t used before.”
Jade said that one of her top life priorities is spending quality time with her family. She and her husband, Will, have been married for five years. “He is my true partner in this life,” she said. “He is the calm to my storm.”
In 2022, Jade’s father, Michael Ruth—also a high school educator—unexpectedly died. She said that she tries to remember that her father remains with her even in death. “Even if he’s not there physically, I see him every day in little details that let me know he’s watching everything,” she said. “Teaching also helps me feel closer to him, since he was also a teacher and coach.”
Last year, Jade accomplished a major personal goal: completing a half-marathon. “I’ve been a runner since high school, but I never thought I’d be able to commit to the training,” she said. “My husband believed in me and pushed me to train even when my schedule got crazy or I had a bad run. Crossing that finish line felt like my own personal ‘I can do this’ moment.”
What book are you currently reading? Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
CASEY PURIFOY
34 | Program coordinator
Ground Floor Collective
“My belief is that if I can get the best people all in the same room working together, that’s when miracles happen,” said Casey Purifoy, the program coordinator of Ground Floor Collective. “I want to do everything I can to facilitate these types of collaborations.”
Ground Floor Collective is a nonprofit organization founded in 2023. Born out of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties, the organization targets the complex causes of poverty through a collective-impact approach. The TXK Exchange Summit was a recent example of this approach.
“It was a chance for us to show agency and nonprofit partners a tool that we’re working on called TXK Exchange, which allows collaborative case-management and communication among Texarkana nonprofits and agencies,” Casey explained. “The summit was also an opportunity to invite feedback and contribution from others in the development of this tool. There were so many awesome conversations and ideas. There was no shortage of inspiration.”
In addition to the collaborative work he does with GFC, Casey is also officially involved in multiple community groups. He is the director of the Atlanta Lions Club; an ambassador for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce; and an editor for Texas A&M University Texarkana’s literary journal, Aquila Review. Casey earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from TAMUT, where he also worked as an adjunct instructor and academic advisor.
“My greatest personal achievement was graduating with my master’s degree from Texas A&M Texarkana,” he said. “Soar Eagles!”
Directly prior to joining Ground Floor Collective, Casey worked for the Student HireAbility Navigator program, a statewide resource developed to increase employment and improve access to job training for students with disabilities. He served in that role for three years.
Casey shared that the greatest hardship he faces is bipolar II disorder. “I am blessed; I have a strong support system,” he said. “I’ve always been very introspective, so tracking down bad habits and thoughts has been simple—but never easy. I pay attention to my thoughts, and I’m intentional with my actions. I’m learning every day.”
A nonprofit leader known for bridge-building, Casey gives credit to the people who raised him. “My parents and grandparents raised me to be kind, to have manners, and to have integrity,” he said. “Some people say I’m too nice, but I feel that a sense of politeness and cordiality is core for diplomacy. If I can be diplomatic, then I can have the presence of mind to help people find solutions or de-escalate tensions.”
While nonprofit work is often seen as altruistic, Casey emphasized that he gets as much from his job as he gives. “I get to meet so many great people who do so much for the Texarkana community, and it’s inspiring,” he said. “I have many great examples to follow.”
What book are you currently reading? I am reading through H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. I love cosmic horror!
DESTINEY WOOD
32 | Accountant
Gregg Orr Auto Collection
By day, Destiney Wood is an accountant, crunching numbers for the Gregg Orr Auto Collection. In her spare time, however, she works as an entrepreneur and inventor: her fledgling company is developing the world’s first patented smart rangefinder sunglasses designed uniquely for golfers and hunters.
“The idea of the glasses came about while I was thinking of a unique birthday gift for my ex-husband, who had recently taken up the game of golf,” she said. “I wanted to get him something techy but golf-related. I recalled that, after a round, he always came home with his sunglasses but never his rangefinder, because they’re so easy to put down and forget about. I figured a built-in rangefinder to the accessory he wears every day would be convenient. Alas, I could not find a pair that existed.”
Destiney contacted 52Launch, a Massachusetts-based product-development company, and pitched her idea. They jumped on the opportunity. “We share the same vision, and it’s been amazing walking through this process with them, from blueprints to design, prototypes, and manufacturing,” she said. Her company is called Clear Shot Enterprises.
As the provisional patent filing explains, Destiney’s invention “provides an integrated eyewear system that incorporates a rangefinding device within a pair of sunglasses or similar eyewear . . . The system allows a user to measure distance to a target without removing or separately handling a device, thereby improving convenience, speed of play, and user focus . . . The system is designed to be lightweight, ergonomically balanced, and suitable for extended wear during physical activity such as, but not limited to, golf. Other useful activities include use with hunting, outdoor sports such as shooting, and other Olympic-related sports such as archery, as well as in professional, industrial settings, such as surveying or construction.”
Working as an accountant while also creating, patenting, and marketing a product—as well as raising two school-aged children—has been harrowing, but her successes—and her children—keep her going. “Being able to watch my dream literally being built right before my eyes—there are no words to describe that feeling,” she said. “But I am a mom first, and my children are the reason I keep pushing every day.” Her daughter, Parker, is 8, and her son, Halen, is 5.
In her free time, Destiney can be found on the golf course or playing chess.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever received was from my mother, Lena Wood, and it was a short and simple, “You will be okay.”
NICK GRAVES
38 | Loan officer
TEXAR
Nick Graves began his career at TEXAR as an assistant teller at 20 years old. Now an experienced loan officer, he said that, while he celebrates helping members improve their lives through financial services, he is most fulfilled by alleviating hardship.
“During those challenging times, people often need more than financial assistance,” he said. “They need someone who genuinely cares. Being able to support our members through both the highs and lows of life is what makes this work so meaningful and rewarding.”
Nick is no stranger to the lows of life. “One thing I didn’t see coming in my life were my personal struggles with mental health,” he said. “Mental health is something that affects all of us, whether we talk about it or not. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the strongest things a person can do. No one is meant to carry life’s burdens alone.”
An alumnus of Texas A&M Texarkana, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in business 10 years after graduating from high school. “[I took] lots of night classes while working full-time, but it was worth it,” he said. “When people used to ask my dad what I was going to ‘be’ once I graduated, he would joke with them and say, ‘Old!’”
With his wife, Belyn, Nick has two children, Nolan (8) and Ian (7). He said that his faith and his family comprise the foundation of his life.
“I’ve learned that success isn’t found in titles, possessions, or accomplishments, but in the relationships we cherish and the people we love,” he said. “I would not be who I am today without them.”
What is something most people don’t know about you? I have been to 17 out of the 30 MLB stadiums and hope to one day cross them all off my list.
BRAD WILLARD
34 | Athletic director and head football coach
Liberty-Eylau Independent School District
Brad Willard has worked at five schools in his coaching career. He said that he is currently at the school he loves the most.
“Liberty-Eylau has been the best place I have been at,” he said. “It goes way beyond the field: the people I get to work with and for make this place special. Also, the kids we have here are incredible, and I love getting to be around them all the time.”
Raised in North Carolina and Cedar Park, Texas, Brad moved to Texarkana in late 2023 to join the Liberty-Eylau staff as athletic director. He is also the high school team’s head football coach.
“I believe that coaching is a calling from God, and I am blessed to be around kids all day every day,” he said.
Brad said that the most fulfilling moments of his career don’t necessarily happen on the field.
“What makes me most proud as a coach is seeing or talking to former student-athletes,” he said. “This past off-season, I was able to take one of my former players on a recruiting visit, and I had the best time driving hours with him and touring a college campus. Being able to catch up with and check on kids that I’ve spent so much time with is incredibly rewarding.”
Brad and his wife, Kaelyn, have three children: Beckett (9), Cannon (7), and Rainey (5). The family attends Heritage Church, where Brad and Kaelyn teach Sunday school. Brad said that his greatest personal achievement happened last summer, when his sons asked to be baptized after attending church camp. “Obviously that is the Lord working,” he said, “but, personally, nothing has meant more to me than them taking that next step in their own faith.”
Brad’s father is credited as his most influential role model and supporter. “My dad worked tirelessly when I was growing up and never missed a single important event in my life,” he said. “He supports me to no end and allows me to continually chase dreams that I have.”
Brad said that, while chasing those dreams over the course of his life, he has faced no significant obstacles.
“I have a very blessed life in that there has not been a single challenge that has held me back,” he said. “[In my job], there are a lot of stresses that come with my day-to-day life. Balancing my awesome family with the stress I put on myself is something that I have to continually work on, but I lean on my wife and my faith in Christ.”
In the off-season, Brad enjoys golfing.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I picked up a new hobby over the past couple of years. My dad and I build random wood projects and try to one-up each other on who did a better job. (He always wins.)
JAKE MCDONALD
29 | Owner
Jake McDonald Custom Homes
Before establishing his construction business, Jake McDonald played Division-I baseball at Texas Tech and Tulane University and played professionally for the Boise Hawks.
“I believe my work ethic from sports has directly translated into my business,” he said. Prior to college, Jake was an award-winning pitcher at Maud High School, where he still holds the school’s strikeout record of 429. While playing at the collegiate level, he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.
Jake’s two companies—Jake McDonald Custom Homes and JM Construction Group—are only two years old, but already, Jake and his team have built 21 custom, high-end homes. Including commercial properties and remodels, the total jumps to over 30 completed projects. He said that 10 additional projects are currently under construction, and six more are breaking ground this month.
“It is a true honor that people trust me in building their dream,” said Jake, who recently completed building his own dream home.
Though he has already seen remarkable business success, Jake is no stranger to hardship. As a competitive college athlete, he had to endure and overcome a severe shoulder injury.
“It took a huge mental and physical toll on me, as it severely impacted my playing career—which was everything to me,” he said. “Coming back taught me discipline, mental toughness, and how to never give up.”
Jake has applied those lessons in both business and community engagement. He previously coached for the Arkansas Prospects, where he was able to “give back to the youth by sharing my baseball knowledge and expertise,” he said. “Inspiring kids [and showing them] that dreams do come true for those who work for it—that means a lot to me.”
Jake himself is inspired primarily by his parents, Crystal and Rodger McDonald. “My most influential people in my life are my mom and dad,” he said. “Having parents in your corner, who are always there, good and bad, means everything to me.”
He also shared that Denver Lockhart, the deputy prosecuting attorney in Hempstead County, is also “a great friend and someone I look up to, someone who I can always lean on, and someone who inspired me to start my business.”
In his spare time, Jake enjoys golfing with friends, watching sports with his dad, and exercising.
What book are you currently reading? No More Excuses: A 90-Day Devotional for Men by Tony Evans
