Angie Cooper takes charge as Heartland Forward's new president amidst major leadership shakeup

In Bentonville, Arkansas, on December 10, 2024, Heartland Forward announced significant leadership changes as part of its strategic vision to enhance economic growth and innovation in the middle of the country. Angie Cooper has been appointed as the new president and chief operating officer, taking over from Ross DeVol, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board while maintaining his position as CEO. The organization aims to create a $500 million economic impact by the year 2030, reflecting its commitment to addressing persistent challenges in various communities across the heartland. Alongside the leadership transition, Heartland Forward unveiled its new initiative, the Pulse of the Heartland, designed to provide pertinent data, insights, and research necessary for economic development. In their statements, DeVol highlighted the abundance of untapped potential in the heartland, while Cooper emphasized the necessity of strong public-private partnerships focused on workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship. They both articulated their enthusiasm for harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance future preparedness and expand access to affordable high-speed internet. To support their objectives, Heartland Forward is bolstering its research capabilities with two new strategic appointments. Cass Crews will now serve as research director of the talent pipeline, while Ken Imanak has been appointed as the new research director of health and wellness. Their expertise is expected to be pivotal in the success of the Pulse of the Heartland initiative and in tracking the organization’s progress toward its ambitious economic impact goal. In addition, recent research conducted by Heartland Forward in collaboration with the University of Arkansas College of Engineering highlighted the potential economic benefits of improving STEM education. The research projected that doubling the number of STEM graduates and increasing research productivity could contribute an estimated $3.9 billion to the state’s economy and create approximately 19,000 new jobs by 2038. This finding underscores the foundational role of education and workforce development in achieving sustainable economic growth in the region.