MEET OUR STAFF

Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families employees a staff of highly skilled professionals. The staff has extensive experience in data analysis, policy research and community network building. Feel free to phone or e-mail staff for information you may need concerning the work of Arkansas Advocates.

Executive Director - Rich Huddleston
rhuddleston@aradvocates.org

Rich Huddleston became the Executive Director of AACF in July 2004. Previously, Rich served as the Research & Fiscal Policy Director for AACF for nine years and was the lead program staff for our SFAI project. Rich has an extensive background in research and public policy and has worked on a variety of public policy issues affecting children. Rich has a Masters of Public Administration from West Virginia University and a BA in Political Science from Carroll College. Rich and his wife Janie live in Little Rock with their daughter Lauren.

Operations & Legal Director – Jennifer Keith Ferguson
Jferguson@aradvocates.org

Jennifer Ferguson rejoined AACF in June 2005 as the Operations and Legal Director.  From 1996 to 1998, Jennifer served as Financial and Legal Director for AACF and served on the Board from 2001 to 2005. Previously, she served as Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the Arkansas Community Foundation.  Ferguson is a native of Hope, Arkansas, and has a BA in Business and Economics from Hendrix College and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas Law School at Little Rock. 

Research and Fiscal Policy Director - Ginny Blankenship
gblankenship@aradvocates.org

Ginny Blankenship joined AACF as Research and Fiscal Policy Director in 2007. Her previous experience includes serving as Director of Policy and Research for the Charter School Policy Institute in Austin, TX; research associate for the University of Arkansas’ Office for Education Policy; and communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ginny is a native of Pine Bluff and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She also earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in education policy from The George Washington University.

Senior Policy Analyst - Paul Kelly
pkelly@aradvocates.org

Paul Kelly has been with AACF since 1995 and currently serves as the Senior Policy Analyst. Paul provides technical expertise, research and policy analysis on a variety of children's issues including early care and education, juvenile justice, child welfare and family self-sufficiency. He is currently working on a project to develop an out-of-school network to prevent juvenile crime. Paul has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Arkansas and a BA in Sociology from Benedictine College. Paul has two sons, Matthew & Paul and four grandchildren.

Development Director - Nancy Leonhardt
nleonhardt@aradvocates.org

Nancy Leonhardt joined AACF in November 2006 as the Development Director. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Flower & Garden Show, and her previous nonprofit and association work includes the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, Tree Streets, and the Inland California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Nancy has a BS in Urban Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She lives in Roland with her husband Darrell and they have two children, Jason and Christy.

Administrative Assistant – Malisa Morris
Mmorris@aradvocates.org

Malisa Morris joined AACF in May 2005. Previously, Malisa worked as a secretary at Baptist Health's Corporate office in Little Rock. Currently, Malisa serves as administrative assistant for AACF and helps coordinate meetings and outreach activities. Malisa and her daughter Alana live in Bryant.

Communications Director- Nathan Pittman
npittman@aradvocates.org

Nathan Pittman joined AACF in September 2006 as the Communications Director. Nathan previously worked as an Account Executive with The Thompson Group, a regional political and public affairs consulting firm. He holds a BA Degree in Politics from Hendrix College and lives in Little Rock with his wife Jeanine and their son Spencer.

Director of Health Policy & Legislative Affairs - Rhonda Sanders
rsanders@aradvocates.org

Rhonda Sanders has been with AACF since 1994. Currently, she provides technical expertise, research and policy analysis on child health issues including ARKids First, school health, prevention, nutrition and oral health. Rhonda also serves part time as our lead legislative lobbyist and is responsible for coordination of the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition. Rhonda has a Masters of Public Health from the UAMS College of Public Health and a BA in Accounting from Ouachita Baptist University. Rhonda and her husband Rick have two children Samantha and Seth.