News Release: Jack White Community Leadership Award Recipient Announced
For Immediate Release
Contact Events Administrator, Arianna Daniels, 479-783-3111
Jack White Community Leadership Award Recipient Announced
Fort Smith, Ark. (May 30, 2025) – The Jack White Award was created as a tribute to the contributions Jack White made to our community and to acknowledge the remarkable impact of the current leaders in the Fort Smith region. For more than 30 years, the Leadership Fort Smith program has honored community leaders who have gone above and beyond to impact our region positively.
This year the Jack White Community Leadership Award recipient is Eddie Lee Herndon. Herndon will be recognized and presented with the award at the Leadership Fort Smith Commencement event on July 17, 2025, at United States Marshals Museum.
Eddie Lee Herndon is a dynamic force in the realms of community affairs and corporate representation, currently serving as the Community Affairs Manager for Oklahoma Gas & Electric and is a registered state agent in Arkansas for the company. Before assuming his role at OG&E, Eddie Lee demonstrated exceptional leadership as the President / CEO of United Way of the Fort Smith Area from February 2015 – August 2021, and previously at the United Way of West Tennessee from November 2011 – February 2015. His track record of success in steering these organizations towards growth and positive change underscores his passion for community betterment. Eddie Lee’s influence extends beyond the corporate sphere, as evidence by his participation on numerous boards that shape the social and economic landscape. From the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and Arvest Bank Board, to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs and the University of Arkansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his commitment to community engagement is both diverse and impactful. In addition, he is passionate about the arts and history as represented by his volunteerism for the Fort Smith Symphony and the United States Marshall’s Museum. Among recent honors, he is one of three founding members of the Arkansas Imagination Library and was honored as Founding Emeritus Board Member. He also received the prestigious recognition of “Honorary Commander” of the 57th Fighter Squadron by Lt. Col. Jonathan D. Hassell, Commander of the 57th Fighter Squadron. Most recently the United Way of the Fort Smith Area presented Eddie Lee with the first Jim Walcott, Humble Hero Award. Amid all these accomplishments, Eddie Lee remains most proud of his family. Alongside his wife, Amber, he cherishes the joy of their four children and witnessing the blossoming of his six grandchildren. Eddie Lee is a devoted family man, an advocate for positive change, and a beacon of inspiration in every community he touches.
Jack White, a former employee of OG&E for 35 years, a Naval veteran, family man, and lifelong learner was highly regarded for his service, leadership, reputation, and collaboration to make Fort Smith a better place. Unfortunately, our community had a void with Jack White passing in 1997, at the age of 57, which is filled by the work of other leaders that carry his spirit of servant leadership, hard work, and determination in pushing for progress to get things done to make our region a better place to live.
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Fort Smith Program Sponsors look forward to the formal award presentation and recognition of the LFS Class of 2025 on Thursday, July 17, 2025. At that event, the LFS Class of 2026 participants will also be announced.
We are pleased to celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2025:
Allie Young Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Amanda Patterson Glatfelter
Amy Fore Mercy Fort Smith
Bonnie Byers Fort Smith Police Department
Breezy Green JTS Financial Services
Brianca Hollins HSA Engineering
Brooke Moore Arvest Bank
Chloe McConnell Community Services Clearinghouse
Chris Reeder Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
Christian Gross Baptist Health Fort Smith
Daniel Weidman Haas Hall Academy
Dawn Childress Fort Smith Public Schools
Deano Traywick City of Fort Smith
Houston Garver Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Ian Silvester University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Jarrod Echols Armstrong Bank
Jon Miskov SERVPRO of Fort Smith
Josh Bell Stay at Home Parent
Josh Buchfink City of Fort Smith
Kaitlyn Turner ArcBest Corporation
Kristan Mosley Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
Reagan Newell Grace Community Church
Seth Whitaker Fort Smith EMS
Tiffany DeVries Fort Smith Public Library
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Arianna Daniels Events Administrator
- May 30, 2025
- 479-783-3111
- Send Email
