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.