Meet our staff

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families employs a staff of skilled professionals. We have extensive experience in data analysis, policy research and community network building. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Executive Director - Rich Huddleston

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 State Fiscal Analysis Initiative 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.

Deputy Director – Jennifer Keith Ferguson

Jennifer Ferguson rejoined AACF in June 2005. 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. Jennifer is a native of Hope, Ark., 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.

Health Policy and Legislative Affairs Director - Elisabeth Wright Burak

Elisabeth Wright Burak joined AACF in May 2008. Elisabeth previously served as the Arkansas Department of Human Services Director of Policy and Planning, where she created and led a central office dedicated to improving policy decisions. She gained national- and state-level policy experience on a range of children's issues at the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices and The Finance Project. A native Arkansan, Elisabeth received Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from the University of Michigan and a BA in Social Psychology from Smith College. Elisabeth lives in Little Rock with her husband Joe.

Health Outreach Coordinator - Joyce Hardy

Joyce Hardy became the Health Outreach Coordinator in July 2010. She has worked in the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas, as Volunteer Coordinator for Harmony Health Clinic, and as the Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator for CareLink. She has been involved in several coalitions and networks, trying to get members of faith communities involved in social justice issues. She is a deacon in the Episcopal Church and holds an M.Ed. in English. An active member of her downtown Little Rock neighborhood, Joyce enjoys knitting and watching documentary films.

Northwest Arkansas Director - Laura Kellams

Laura Kellams joined AACF as its first Northwest Arkansas director in August 2008. Before that, she was a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more than 11 years, covering politics, government and regional affairs in a 12-county region. Laura has a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas and has lived in the northwest corner of the state for 20 years. She and her husband Kyle live in Fayetteville.

Senior Policy Analyst - Paul Kelly

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.

Outreach Director - Brett Kincaid

Brett Kincaid joined the AACF staff in June 2010 after spending the past five years working in politics and public affairs. Brett has worked with some of Arkansas's top elected officials in addition to AACF co-founder Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. He has an extensive background in coalition building, message development, and strategic planning. Brett grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas, and has a B.A. in Communication from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Brett and his wife Brittany live in North Little Rock and are the proud parents of their daughter, Vivian.

Development Director - Mary Lewis

Mary Lewis joined AACF in March 2010 as the Development Director. Mary's previous non-profit work includes City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock and the American Heart Association/Texas Affiliate. Mary has a BS in Dietetics and Food Service Management from Harding University. She lives in Little Rock with her three sons, Jack, Thomas and Robert.

Administrative and Special Events Director - Nancy Leonhardt

Nancy Leonhardt joined AACF in November 2006 as the Development Director. Nancy's previous nonprofit and association work includes the Arkansas Flower & Garden Show, 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.

Communications Director - Tara Manthey

Tara Manthey came to AACF in June 2008 from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where she wrote about K-12 and higher education. Prior to that, she worked at newspapers in the Pacific Northwest covering education and local and state government. A native of Colorado, she has degrees in journalism and music from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Tara lives in Little Rock with her husband and two children.

Outreach Coordinator - Susana O'Daniel

Susana O'Daniel joined AACF in June of 2010. Susana previously served as the Project Coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Tobacco Free Coalition with the Community Clinic at St. Francis House. Susana has been active in politics and community development for more than 11 years. Susana is a native of Mena and received her bachelor's degree in History and American Studies from the University of Arkansas as well as a master's degree in Communication from the University of Arkansas. She lives in Little Rock.

Senior Policy Analyst – Kim Reeve

Kim Reeve joined AACF as Senior Policy Analyst in November 2009. Her previous experience includes serving as Senior Policy Analyst for Southern Good Faith Fund and Service Corps Fellow for the City of Bloomington, Indiana in their Latino Outreach project. Kim received her bachelor's degree from Alma College in Michigan and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Indiana, Bloomington. Kim lives in Little Rock with her husband Oscar and their dog Suzie.