Around the time the Northwest Arkansas Council began talking internally about another update to its multiyear strategic plan, President and CEO Mike Malone began wondering if it was time to turn his attention elsewhere.
Malone has helped craft and execute multiple multiyear plans for the region since joining the organization in 2006. Currently the Northwest Arkansas Council is in the middle of a three-year plan and will begin adopting a new one in 2017.
As questions popped into his head about the potential good new leadership might do for Northwest Arkansas, a potential opportunity with Steuart and Tom Walton, grandsons of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. founder Sam Walton, began to develop. Malone will join a private business team led by the brothers on Sept. 16.
The brothers, sons of Arvest Bank Board Chairman Jim Walton, have become increasingly active in Northwest Arkansas over the past five years, but especially so this year. They've donated money from the Walton Family Foundation to nonprofit organizations throughout the region, but see opportunities for helping the region through business ventures as well.
Details on what future investments and priorities will be are scarce at this point, but it isn't a stretch to think they'll continue to focus on what Malone has previously described as "human infrastructure" or quality of life amenities.
Malone took over the council from Uvalde Lindsey, who held the position from 1990-2005, and has had a hand in tremendous growth in a region that now boasts more than 500,000 people. Lindsey was the first director of the organization founded by business leaders in the region, including Sam Walton, Don Tyson and J.B. Hunt. With fewer than two weeks remaining in his current role, Malone took time for a conversation regarding his new job, the future of Northwest Arkansas and why after 10.5 years it was time for a change.
How did you know it was time?
I just got so excited about the opportunity and what Steuart and Tom are building. I had been thinking for a little bit of time that I was going to reach a transition point in the role where we needed some new ideas and new energy here at the council. So between the excitement for what [the Waltons] were working on, and the chance to help turn that into action, as well as the idea from a personal perspective that it was time to re-energize, put new gas in the tank. It seemed like a perfect fit and a perfect opportunity.
Can you shed some light on what you'll be doing?
Well, some of the role is to be clarified or filled out once I'm there. I've been getting to know both Steuart and Tom Walton for the past few years now. They've engaged in a number of regional projects and since the council works regionally, we had been working together more and more on a number of different things over the past few years. I've always been impressed and very excited with what they're advocating and building in Northwest Arkansas.
Much of their work has focused on quality of life. Do you anticipate that being your primary focus?
That's a good way to summarize it. So much of what they are doing is making sure Northwest Arkansas becomes even more of a great place to live and raise families and recreate. That's absolutely the main thrust of the role.
What was your introduction to the Walton brothers and their work in the region?
Really, the first introduction was when I was working with Jim Walton, their dad. He's been chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Council three different times over the last decade. I've gotten to work with him. He really introduced me to them as they would come home and as they were starting to get engaged in Northwest Arkansas. We had some conversations about what the council was working on, what they want to achieve and see happen here. Really, the first initiative that comes to mind, and it's a centerpiece of what they work on, is biking and cycling emphasis.
You mention the trail system, what improvements to quality of life or otherwise are you most proud of during your tenure?
I've been doing a lot of reflecting as I'm getting ready to transition and I remember back to what was here when I got here, but more importantly, what was not in Northwest Arkansas almost 11 years ago when I moved my family here from D.C. We didn't have a trail network. We barely had trails. We didn't have a bike culture. Some of downtowns had activities, but most were sleepy and boarded-up in some cases. We didn't have a world class art museum [Crystal Bridges]. Fast forward 10-and-a-half years and the offerings in the region are amazing.
What's missing?
I think there is a lot more to build out in each of those areas I mentioned. We've got some great institutions and great facilities or infrastructure. There's more programming. There's more events. There's more recognizing outside the region for what has been built here. There is room to grow in all the areas we already have a great start in. There is plenty more to do as a region. I don't want to get into a lot of specifics because plans are still being talked about and worked out, but there is certainly an opportunity to build out and recognition of what we do have is being worked on the next few years.
If you have a tip, call Chris Bahn at (501) 378-3518 or email him at cbahn@arkansasonline.com
SundayMonday Business on 09/04/2016