Judy Love is like a surrogate mother -- or a school principal -- ushering some 1,500 business leaders through Leadership Greater Little Rock, a program of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. Some 300 former Leadership class members and chamber administration and staff gathered on the third-story veranda at the Robinson Center on Nov. 18 to raise a glass and celebrate her years of service upon her retirement as director of administration.
The setting sun provided a beautiful backdrop for the party. To the north, guests has a panoramic view of the Arkansas River and all the bridge construction going on below. Libations and snacks were available.
Graham Cobb, chief operating officer for the chamber, said Love has been at the chamber for 33 years, including presiding as the executive director for 27 classes of the Leadership Greater Little Rock.
"I have had the great privilege of not only making 50 new friends each year, but working with some of the most informed, engaged, generous and compassionate people in our community," Love said of her service. "They make the world go around, and my association with them has made me a better person."
She said she was recruited to the chamber by her church pastor's wife, so "I'm sure there was some degree of divine intervention involved." When she later began to head up the Leadership program, "It was a perfect fit for me, despite the initial stress," she said.
"If the program has benefited even half as much as I have, it's been a win-win."
-- Story and photos by Cyd King
High Profile on 11/27/2016