In the news
April 28 - May 4, 2025
Matthews to be new CEO at Little Rock Realtors Assn.
B.J. Matthews will soon fill the role as the new chief executive officer of the Little Rock Realtors Association after Stacy Hamilton stepped down to become the new director of operations for the Hathaway Group.
Matthews has served as the chief communications officer at the Arkansas Realtors Association since July of 2021. Prior to joining the ARA, BJ studied at the University of Central Arkansas where he studied Public Relations and Communication.
In a statement on Facebook, Matthews said, “Well, the cat is (mostly) out of the bag, and I can finally announce that I’ll be leaving Arkansas Realtors at the end of this week and will be joining Little Rock Realtors Association as their new CEO!”
“I am so excited for the next chapter in this association journey, and look forward to continuing to build up this association the best I can. Stacy and Elle have done some incredible work, and I am excited to keep that momentum building.”
“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to my team at ARA.. I don’t have words to express the sadness I’m feeling about leaving, but I’m so optimistic for the future. I did my best to leave ARA better than I found it. I am so excited to watch the upward trajectory they are on. Big things to come from that team.”
Wright Lindsey Jennings launches woman-run podcast
Woman-Run, a statewide initiative of Arkansas-based law firm Wright Lindsey Jennings (WLJ), has launched a podcast to further build community through the shared experiences of women business and community leaders.
“With the Woman-Run podcast, we want to expand the reach of the community we’re building and meet women where they are,” said Rickie Smith, WLJ public relations director and Woman-Run co-founder. “People are busy and often don’t have the flexibility to attend regular events. Now we provide the resources and inspiring stories that listeners can access when their schedules allow.”
To access the Woman-Run podcast, visit https://rss.com/podcasts/woman-run/ and download to your preferred streaming platform. To get involved and share podcast speaker ideas, follow Woman-Run on Facebook and Instagram, sign up for the newsletter, visit the website or contact womanrun@wlj.com. Featured Woman-Run podcast guests to date include Mimi San Pedro, Natalie Bartholomew, Anna Beth Gorman, Mandy Richardson, Keesa Smith-Brantley and Shunqetta Cunningham.
WLJ started Woman-Run in 2019 to connect business owners and leaders – and those aspiring to be both – through networking, mentorship, collaboration and resources that address the unique needs of women in business. The initiative aims to overcome historical challenges faced by women entrepreneurs – lack of mentors and social capital, a financing gap, and the tendency to be more self-critical and risk-averse.
“Quite simply, we recognized that our clients, colleagues and friends needed an environment to cultivate the relationships and tools to make their businesses and careers thrive,” said Meredith Lowry, WLJ partner and Woman-Run co-founder. “As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and we strive to be part of the tide of change that helps women overcome barriers to success.”
Catholic High crawfish boil
Get ready, Rocket fans! Catholic High is having a Crawfish Boil in conjunction with the Purple/Gold Game! It’s Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Crawfish Dinner with the game at 7:00 p.m. This will take place at Catholic High School. Tickets are $25/person | $12 for kids 12 & under. Get your tickets now at chscrawfish.com
Not a crawfish fan? No worries—the concession stand will be open with hotdog meals available. Bring your appetite, bring your Rocket spirit, and let’s make it a night to remember! See you there!
Presented by Matt Morris State Farm. A huge thank you to junior Gabe Bulmanski for his incredible work in designing the Crawfish Boil logo.
