Chamber names new legislative leader

Business leaders in Arkansas face a new voice in the statehouse as John Eddy assumes the role of executive vice president at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. The appointment, announced on Oct. 29, places Eddy in charge of legislative advocacy and positions him as president of the Arkansas State Chamber Foundation. This shift marks the end of an era for the organization, which now transitions to a leader with a blend of government and private sector experience.

The move follows the retirement of Kenny Hall, who held the post for 27 years before stepping down in December 2025. Randy Zook, the chamber's president and CEO, described Eddy as possessing a rare mix of business, state government, and national political knowledge. Zook stated that Eddy understands both how investment decisions are made and how public policy gets done, expressing confidence that he is the right person to advance member priorities at the Capitol.

Eddy's background spans more than two decades in government, economic development, and investment. He previously served as senior policy adviser and director of strategic affairs to former Governor Asa Hutchinson. In that role, he led strategic initiatives and economic development priorities for the state. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Republican National Committee, advising national political leaders and presidential campaigns.

In the private sector, Eddy has worked with private equity and investment firms. He served as an executive in residence at America's Frontier Fund, where his focus included strengthening American industrial competitiveness. His work there addressed critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced energy, quantum computing, and next-generation manufacturing.

At the chamber, Eddy will prioritize strengthening strategic partnerships and expanding opportunities for private investment. He will also support economic development initiatives and advance programs through the Chamber Foundation to prepare Arkansas businesses and the workforce for the future. Eddy, a graduate of Arizona State University, endowed the Pat Tillman Memorial Scholarship and serves on the dean's advisory board of the Clinton School of Public Service.

In his first remarks, Eddy stated that Arkansas has extraordinary opportunities ahead and that its greatest years of economic growth are still to come. He credited Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders with bringing energy and focus to making the state more competitive. Eddy said he looks forward to building new partnerships among business, government, universities, and private investors to attract capital and create new opportunities for the workforce.