糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Names Aaron Huntley Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Aaron Huntley as executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI). He brings more than 15 years of leadership experience, statewide partnerships, and a proven record of organizational growth to the role.
As executive director, Huntley will lead AEDI鈥檚 research, outreach, and engagement e铿�orts focused on strengthening Arkansas鈥檚 economy through data-driven insights, policy support, and collaborate on with public and private-sector partners.
Founded in 1955, AEDI and its predecessor organizations have served as an economic development research and engagement resource within the University of Arkansas system, supporting community, business, and government stakeholders across Arkansas. The institute is home to economists and applied researchers, the Arkansas Census State Data Center, and programs focused on emergency management, community development, and economic education, including the annual Arkansas Economic Forecast Conference, delivered in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
鈥淎EDI plays an important role in connecting university research with the needs of communities, businesses, and policymakers across Arkansas,鈥� said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. 鈥淎aron鈥檚 background in strategic leadership and applied problem-solving will help ensure that our work continues to inform decision-making, support students and faculty, and contribute meaningfully to the state鈥檚 economic development.鈥�
Huntley joins 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock after nearly 20 years in the financial services and technology finance sectors, where he served in senior leadership roles including executive vice president and head of strategy. In those positions, he oversaw large-scale operations and multi-million-dollar budgets across organizations with national reach. Throughout his career, Huntley has been recognized for building high-performing teams, launching innovative partnerships, and translating complex data into actionable strategies.
鈥淎aron Huntley brings a wonderful combination of executive leadership, statewide relationships, and a deep commitment to public service,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淗is experience leading complex organizations, working across sectors, and translating data into meaningful action will strengthen AEDI鈥檚 ability to serve communities, inform policy, and support Arkansas鈥檚 economic future.鈥�
In addition to his executive experience, Huntley has been deeply engaged in Arkansas鈥檚 civic and economic development landscape. He currently serves as a city council member in Springdale and as the chairman of the region鈥檚 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Huntley has worked closely with chambers of commerce, state o铿僣ials, educators, and nonprofit leaders to advance workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community-focused initiatives. He has served on more than a dozen local and statewide nonprofit boards.
Huntley is also a graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration.
鈥淚 am honored to return to my alma mater, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and lead the Arkansas Economic Development Institute,鈥� Huntley said. 鈥淥ver the past decade, my work has centered on building relationships across the state and supporting communities as they pursue sustainable economic growth. AEDI鈥檚 ability to connect research, policy, and practice makes it a powerful resource for Arkansas, and I am excited to work with its outstanding team and partners to help strengthen the state that I love so much.鈥�
As executive director, Huntley will focus on expanding AEDI鈥檚 statewide reach, strengthening partnerships, and aligning the institute鈥檚 work with regional, state, and federal priorities, advancing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role as a leader in research, engagement, and economic development.