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.

Keesa Smith
Keesa Smith-Brantley

Executive Director
Jennifer Ferguson
Jennifer Keith Ferguson

Deputy Director
Laura Kellams

Northwest Arkansas Director
Shyy Brown

Finance and Administrative Director
Nicole Carey
Nicole Carey

Education Policy Director
Aaron Conrad

Education and Fiscal Policy Fellow
Fran Carter

Development Director
Hayley Cormican

Health Policy Associate
Brooke Edwards

Communications Director
Peter Gess
Pete Gess

Economic Policy Director
Val Rose Habrock

Director of Governmental Affairs
Christin Harper

Policy Director
Christine Hartman

Northwest Arkansas Office Coordinator
Camille Richoux

Health Policy Director
Grace Santos

Administrative Assistant
Esther Schroeder

Northwest Arkansas Development Director
Rebecca Zimmermann

Community Engagement Director

AACF OFFICERS

Ryan Davis
President

Brooke Montgomery, Ph.D.
Vice President

Gene Lu, M.D.
Treasurer

Stacey Sturner, J.D.
Secretary

Preston Clegg
At-Large Member

Gayatri Richardson
At-Large Member

BOARD MEMBERS

Nathan Coulter, J.D.

Xochitl Delgado Solorzano

Sarah Draine

Nikki Edge, Ph.D.

Hershey Garner, J.D., M.D.

Tamara P. Glover, Ph.D.

Mervin Jebaraj

Sharon Lanier, Ph.D.

Eric McDonald

Richard Moss, Ph.D.

Sheldon Riklon, M.D.

Cathy Cole Seilhan

Kevin Shalin

Make a Difference Today

Join us in the fight for children’s rights and family support. Your involvement can help shape a better future for our community.

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Posts and Publications

Post
What They Told Us: Medicaid Stories from El Dorado

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Report: Mass Deportations Contribute to Affordability Crisis and Arkansas Job Losses

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What the heck is going on with Medicaid Expansion (ARHOME) in Arkansas?

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Publication
A Moving Finish Line: Action Needed as Children's Uninsured Rates Rise Again

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Our Taxes Make A Difference

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SNAP Enrollment Decreases Likely to Worsen Food Insecurity Crisis in Arkansas

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Medicaid is Critical in Arkansas Public Schools

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New Immigration Application Rule Could Make it Harder for Families to Receive Essential Services

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