Board of Directors
Meet the leaders of Easterseals Arkansas.
Our Board of Directors is a robust team of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise from various industries. Here, they are unified with the common goal of shaping an inclusive community where people with disabilities can thrive.
George Cole – Chair
With a tenure stretching over 19 years in finance and information technology, George Cole brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Vice-Chair.
His commitment to community and financial acumen was further demonstrated during his term on the Christ Episcopal Church Finance and Vestry Committee from 2014 to 2015.
Wendy See – Vice-Chair
With an enviable portfolio reflecting deep expertise in the medical field, Wendy See currently spearheads key operations and strategies as the Vice President of Pharmacy and Primary Care for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
A proud alumna of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Wendy later augmented her expertise through a residency at the VA Medical Center in Little Rock. Eager to delve deeper, she pursued a Master’s in Business Administration from the same institution in 2001.
Before her significant appointment at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2014, Wendy carved a niche for herself in leadership roles spanning the managed care and home care landscapes, showcasing a remarkable ability to steer initiatives with a firm yet innovative hand.
W. Brock Martin – Vice-Chair
Since 2006, W. Brock Martin has been an instrumental member of the Easterseals Board of Directors, dedicating over 17 years to the cause.
Currently partnering at Orion Capital Partners, Brock brings a seasoned perspective to the financial strategies of the organization, guiding it toward growth and stability with his expertise and dedication.
Joey Lambert – Secretary
Joey Lambert, a luminary in recruiting and marketing, presently shapes strategies at BKD in Arkansas. Joey’s deep connection with Easterseals Arkansas is reflected in his diverse roles spanning from the Director of Special Events to the chairman of the Easterseals Advocacy Committee.
Armed with a robust educational background from Harding University, Joey navigates community engagements with fervor, balancing professionalism with a spirit of charity, as seen in his association with The Hat Club of Little Rock.
Chris Johnson – Treasurer
Chris Johnson’s journey began in 1993 when he graduated with a BSBA degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He carved out a stellar career in renowned public accounting firms such as KPMG LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, holding notable positions including a senior managerial role.
In 2006, Chris joined Dillard’s, Inc., where he served as the Vice President of Accounting till 2012, after which he took the reins as the Vice President of Real Estate for the next three years. Since 2008, he has also championed as the CFO for CDI Contractors, a subsidiary of Dillard’s.
At present, Chris is the Principal Financial Officer for Dillard’s Inc. and holds esteemed positions on several boards and committees. Family is the cornerstone of his life, sharing joyous moments with his wife, Meredith, and their four children.
Scott Copas
Scott Copas has dedicated his career to Baldwin & Shell Construction Company since 1977, evolving from project manager to CEO and President. He was brought to the Easterseals community through his sister, a recipient of the organization’s services, and his wife, who previously served on the board. Prior to taking up the board position, Scott chaired the Task Force to the Joint Committee on Educational Facilities for the Arkansas Legislature, a powerful organization that led to the Supreme Court determination that the State of Arkansas was responsible for making all K-12 public education adequate and equal for all children in the state.
Scott’s dedication to his community spans multiple roles across an array of industries, including Past Chairman of the Contractors Licensing Board, Past President of the AGC of Arkansas, Current Lifetime Director of the AGC of America, Past President of the Arkansas Construction Industry Council, and Past Board member of the U of A School of Architecture and Dean’s Circle. Scott travels with his family in his free time and enjoys cruising on his houseboat.
Rick Fleetwood
Rick Fleetwood is a passionate community leader with board positions on Easterseals Arkansas, United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, CARTI, and the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Gala.
His passion for service is rooted in the belief that active boards can make miracles happen for those they represent – a commitment that’s led to numerous accolades, including state, regional, National Rehabilitation Meritorious Service Awards and the Governor’s Commission Service Award. Rick first became connected to Easterseals through the fashion telethon.
In his free time, Rick enjoys retirement with his family and at razorback sporting events.
Jay Heflin
Jay Heflin stands as a pillar in the business landscape, currently serving as the Vice President for Administration at Legacy Termite & Pest Control, Inc., in Little Rock. An illustrious academic path saw him graduating from Ouachita Baptist University in 1993, later amplifying his expertise with an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Alongside his brother Marc, Jay embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, co-founding Bird and Bear Medical, Inc., a venture that served the state until August 2013. In his current capacity, he leads with vision and diligence as the Chair of the Development Committee, steering strategies with a forward-thinking approach.
Ashlie Hilbun
Dr. Ashlie Hilbun, EdD, CFRE, epitomizes strategic foresight in her role as the Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Arkansas Children’s. Entrusted with the critical task of guiding the implementation of the institution’s strategic aims, she crafts compelling narratives to amplify the organization’s mission.
Ashlie is a prodigious learner, holding degrees from distinguished institutions including the University of Arkansas and Tulane University. Since joining the Easterseals board in 2020, she has become an invaluable asset, merging deep insights with a philanthropic spirit to foster growth and innovation.
Angela Harrison
Presiding over Welsco, Inc. as its president, Angela Harrison-King stands as a beacon of leadership in the business community, leading the largest woman-owned industrial gas and welding equipment distributor in the US.
Since becoming a member of the Easterseals Board in 2003, Angela has consistently showcased her business acumen and dedication, embodying the essence of a leader with a heart for service and a vision for progress.
Dr. James Hunt
A connoisseur of the medical field, Dr. James Hunt lends his expertise as an anesthesiologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to the Easterseals Board, a collaboration that began in 2008.
Dr. Hunt shares his journey with his wife, DeAnn, and they take pride in their child Al’s tenure as the former Easterseals Child Representative, echoing a familial legacy of commitment to the organization.
Leon Jones, Jr.
Leon Jones aligns with the mission of Easterseals in empowering individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A seventh-generation Arkansan, he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Leflar School of Law at the University of Arkansas. He has been in private legal practice since 2009 with a short stint as the first black Director of the Department of Labor and Executive Director of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. Now, he focuses on helping families and businesses protect their assets through Estate and Business Planning.
In his spare time, Leon enjoys spending time with my wife and four children and playing “at” golf.
Laura Landreaux
At the helm of Entergy Arkansas as its president and CEO is Laura R. Landreaux, a dynamic leader overseeing a heritage of over a century of powering lives in Arkansas. An alumna of the University of Arkansas School of Law at Fayetteville, Laura’s journey witnessed a progression through diverse roles in the legal sphere before she embraced her current role in 2018.
Her strategic insights have been a boon to the Easterseals board since 2020, infusing it with a fresh perspective and a drive for excellence.
Jad Malek
Jad Malek spent sixteen years at Wells Fargo in Retail Banking in Arizona and Utah before moving to Arkansas in 2018 to become Chief Retail Officer at Arkansas Federal Credit Union. While looking for ways to get involved with his community, Jad heard about Easterseals through Board Chair George Cole and immediately gravitated toward the mission to help people live full and independent lives.
Jad, who was born in Lebanon, moved to the United States in 2000 after growing up in Dubai. When he’s not working or volunteering, Jad plays tennis and travels with friends and family.
Mike Preston
Mike Preston is the Managing Director of Stephens Inc.’s investment banking division and a leading advocate for economic development known for his work both nationally and statewide. Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Michael “Mike” Preston executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) in March 2015 and Secretary of Commerce in July 2019. Before joining AEDC, he served six and a half years as the Vice President of Government Relations for Enterprise Florida, the state’s primary economic development organization. In 2018, Preston was selected to join The Wall Street Journal’s prestigious CEO Council.
Mike joined the Easterseals board in 2020 after learning about the mission through events like Arkansan of the Year. He was excited about the opportunity to give back to such a community-oriented organization and immediately accepted the position. Mike can be found with his family or playing basketball in his free time. He is a graduate of the University of Florida.
Linus Raines
Linus Raines orchestrates business development strategies at Green Stamp America, Inc./Japan Green Stamp, leading initiatives that span continents. With a rich portfolio encompassing diverse industries, Linus brings to the table a global perspective and an entrepreneur’s spirit.
Her leadership roles in various international boards underscore her commitment to fostering global collaborations and community development, a vision she has been nurturing as a part of the Easterseals board since 2020.
Ben Ridings
As Senior Vice President, Market Wealth Director at Simmons National Bank, Ben Ridings is a stalwart in the financial sector, adept at nurturing trust and fostering wealth management. An academic journey spanning the University of Mississippi and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock empowered him with a deep understanding of business dynamics.
Apart from his professional endeavors, Ben is a beacon in the community, volunteering at Fellowship Bible Church and engaging in philanthropic activities, sharing his journey with his wife, Allison, and their three children.
Tiffany Robinson
For over twenty years, Tiffany Robinson has been a leader in the Arkansas fashion scene with extensive hands-on experience across styling, buying, merchandise management, and philanthropy. Tiffany was inspired to join the Easterseals Arkansas board after attending the annual Fashion Event, where she was immediately drawn to the life-changing mission of the organization. Her philanthropic experience includes service on a variety of non-profit boards of directors, as well as charity event leadership for Wildwood Park for the Arts, Women and Children First, Arkansas Repertory Theater, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Junior League of Little Rock and Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXV.
The Little Rock native is now the proud owner of Barbara Jean, a renowned local fashion institution that’s been active in the community for over 50 years. Tiffany is also a mother to Nebby and loves rooting for him at basketball, soccer, and tennis matches. In her free time, Tiffany can be found volunteering and traveling. She has a Bachelor’s in Studio Art and Art History from Hendrix College.
Lisenne Rockefeller
Lisenne Rockefeller, the owner of The Winrock Group, Inc. and Winrock Farms, Inc., is a venerable figure in the Arkansas community. Her illustrious career has seen her serving on numerous boards, championing causes ranging from cancer research to arts and humanities.
She was the past chair of the board of The Nature Conservancy Arkansas and the Pulaski County Humane Society and was a founding member of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.
J Warren Simpson
Warren Simpson has over 42 years of experience in the investment business, holding prestigious roles, including Executive Vice President of Stephens Inc., Managing Director of Stephens Capital Management, and a member of the Stephens Choice Investment Committee.
Warren discovered Easterseals through his father and brother and has since been dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission to improve lives for the better.
Warren is an avid golfer, duck hunter, and committed family man. He holds a BBA from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the University of Arkansas.
Jay Taylor
Jay Taylor is a partner at the esteemed Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP firm. He specializes in representing commercial lenders and borrowers in commercial real estate transactions, a role where his intricate understanding of law comes to the forefront.
An alumnus of the prestigious Emory University School of Law, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. His acumen didn’t go unnoticed as, in 2015, he was adorned with the title of “Little Rock Real Estate Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America, a testimony to his expertise and a sterling reputation in the legal landscape.
Gus M. Vratsinas
Gus Vratsinas has been a member of the Easterseals board since 1996 when he asked to join to further his passion for supporting people with developmental disabilities.
As the President of Vratsinas Enterprises and former Chairman of VCC of Little Rock, Gus brings over forty years of management expertise and engineering insights to the board.
His professional background spans retail, commercial, health care, residential, high-rise, and institutional projects. Gus holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas.
