We're happy to introduce you to the leadership of Common Ground Arkansas. It's made up of Arkansans who represent a broad swath of the ideological spectrum, but who are committed to cooperating to solve problems despite our differences.

Common Ground Arkansas is pleased to announce the membership of its board of directors. The 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization was founded by Sen. Hendren in February to provide a balance in Arkansas politics and support problem solving leadership in the state.

“Polarization and partisan division keep us from focusing on the very real problems that need solving in our state,” said Sen. Hendren. “We will work in areas where we can have a strategic impact on our state politics and give a stronger voice to those in the middle as we look toward the 2022 campaign season.”

Common Ground Arkansas will work in three main areas to bring about strategic change: 

• Finding and supporting problem solvers loyal to the people in their districts rather than to special interest groups

• Supporting legislation that addresses the real problems faced by Arkansans

• Ensuring strong voter power and voter choice

These efforts will be supported by its board of directors, consisting of:

• LeAnne Burch, Monticello; Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army

• Davy Carter, Jonesboro; Banker and Attorney

• Veronica Gromada, Bentonville; Attorney, Walmart

• Sen. Jim Hendren, Sulphur Springs; President, Hendren Plastics

• Mark Isbell, North Little Rock; Partner, Isbell Farms

• Mayor George McGill, Fort Smith; Mayor, Fort Smith

• Andy McNeill, Russellville; CEO, Denali Water Solutions

• Archie Schaffer III, Fayetteville; Consultant and Retired EVP, Tyson Foods

• Sam Sicard, Fort Smith; President and CEO, First National Bank of Fort Smith

• Nate Steel, Little Rock; Attorney, Steel, Wright, Gray, PLLC

Sen. Hendren serves as chairman of the board, and Schaffer serves as vice chairman. Board members were selected to represent a wide range of ideological views with a shared commitment toward cooperation and collaboration despite those ideological differences. 

“I’ve been deeply involved in politics in Arkansas since the mid-1960s, and I firmly believe that something must be done to curtail the hyper-partisanship that’s destroying our democracy and harming our state,” said Schaffer, board vice chairman. “I’ve committed myself to help Common Ground Arkansas be a part of the solution. Our strong, ideologically diverse board will work hard to make compromising and finding common ground the norm once again.”