The City of Jonesboro is welcoming a new team member, Chris Richey, to the fold as the Director of Grants and Community Development, a move announced by Mayor Harold Copenhaver on Wednesday. Richey brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous tenure as CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County, where he honed his skills in grant management, and as a representative in the Arkansas House of Representatives advocating for pressing issues like economic development and education, as reported by the City of Jonesboro.
In his new role, Richey will be tasked with overseeing the city's grant acquisition endeavors and steering neighborhood initiatives towards bolstering community and economic development. His portfolio speaks volumes, his diverse background blending legislative advocacy with hands-on leadership and organizational strategy. According to the Facebook post from City of Jonesboro, AR - Government, Richey also has overseen the communications of structural and operational details at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County for Board review and approval.
The anticipation of Richey's addition is high, with Mayor Copenhaver publicly sharing his excitement. "Having known Chris through the Arkansas Legislature, I am excited to bring his experience, knowledge, and integrity to the City of Jonesboro to fill one of our most important roles: community development and grants — two areas that are crucial to successful growth at the highest level," he said. Richey's history with legislative processes and grant management promises a bright future for Jonesboro's community prospects.
An alma mater of Ouachita Baptist University, Richey boasts a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science,, and a Master's Degree in History from Arkansas State University where he graduated in 1995. Planning to relocate to Jonesboro with his wife Holly and their son, Richey echoed his eagerness for his new role in the City of Jonesboro. "I look forward to this wonderful opportunity. Jonesboro is a great city, and its growth and improvement are a common topic around the state. I am excited to play a part in the community's continued progress," Richey commented. Jonesboro stakeholders and residents alike are likely to watch how Richey's directives unfold in the quest for communal uplift and resilience.
