Arkansas Chamber Names John Eddy Executive Vice President

John Eddy became the new executive vice president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas on Thursday, Oct. 29. He simultaneously assumes the presidency of the Arkansas State Chamber Foundation. The appointment fills the vacancy left by Kenny Hall, who retired in December 2025 after serving for 27 years.

Eddy will lead the organization’s legislative advocacy efforts. His mandate includes strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding private investment opportunities, and supporting economic development initiatives across the state. Through the Chamber Foundation, he will manage programs designed to prepare Arkansas businesses and the workforce for future economic shifts.

The organization highlighted Eddy’s background in business, state government, and national politics. Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber and AIA, stated that Eddy understands both investment decision-making and public policy processes. Zook expressed confidence that Eddy is the right leader to advance member priorities at the state Capitol.

Before joining the chamber, Eddy served as a senior policy adviser and director of strategic affairs to Gov. Asa Hutchinson. In that role, he led strategic initiatives and economic development priorities. Earlier in his career, Eddy held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Republican National Committee. He also advised national political leaders and presidential campaigns.

Eddy has spent time in the private sector, holding senior leadership roles with private equity and investment firms. He served as an executive in residence at America’s Frontier Fund. His work there focused on strengthening American industrial competitiveness and advancing critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced energy, quantum computing, and next-generation manufacturing.

Eddy is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he endowed the Pat Tillman Memorial Scholarship. He currently serves on the dean’s advisory board of the Clinton School of Public Service and on the advisory board of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce. The chamber announced the hiring decision in a public statement on Thursday.

Eddy said he believes the state’s greatest years of economic growth are still ahead. He noted that the chamber has built a strong foundation for business advocacy under Zook. He also cited Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for bringing energy and focus to making Arkansas more competitive. Eddy said he looks forward to building new partnerships among business, government, universities, and private investors to attract capital and create workforce opportunities.