John Eddy Takes Helm of Arkansas Chamber After 27-Year Era Ends

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas hired John Eddy on Thursday to fill the executive vice president role. Eddy also serves as president of the Arkansas State Chamber Foundation. He succeeds Kenny Hall, who retired in December 2025 after 27 years in the position.

Eddy will direct the organization's legislative advocacy efforts. His background includes more than two decades of work in government, economic development, and private investment. He previously served as a senior policy adviser and director of strategic affairs for former Gov. Asa Hutchinson. In that capacity, he led state 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. In the private sector, he served in leadership roles at private equity and investment firms. He also worked as an executive in residence at America's Frontier Fund, focusing on industrial competitiveness and critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber/AIA, said Eddy offers a mix of business, state government, and national political experience. Zook stated that Eddy understands both investment decisions and public policy processes. Zook expressed confidence that Eddy is the right leader to advance member priorities at the state Capitol.

Eddy said Arkansas has extraordinary opportunities ahead and believes the state's greatest years of economic growth are still to come. He noted that the Chamber has built a strong foundation under Zook's leadership. He also credited Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders with bringing energy and focus to making Arkansas more competitive. Eddy said he looks forward to building partnerships among business, government, universities, and private investors to attract capital and accelerate innovation.

At the Chamber, Eddy will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and expanding private investment opportunities. He will support economic development initiatives. Through the Chamber Foundation, he will advance programs that prepare Arkansas businesses and the state's workforce for the future. Eddy is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he endowed the Pat Tillman Memorial Scholarship.

He also serves on the dean's advisory board of the Clinton School of Public Service. Additionally, he sits on the advisory board of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce.