Who We Are

Our Staff

Paul Harvel President/CEO
Paul directs the operation of the State Chamber/AIA, which serves as the home of Arkansas’s business community. He previously was president and chief executive officer of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce for more than 21 years and served as executive director of Fifty for the Future. He has also directed chambers of commerce in El Dorado; Enid, Oklahoma; Midland, Texas; and Amarillo, Texas. Paul is recognized as a leader in the business community, and in 2008 was appointed to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by Governor Mike Beebe.
Kenneth R. Hall, J.D. Executive Vice President
As chief lobbyist, Kenny represents the positions of the two organizations on issues related to, and focusing on, the enhancement of a quality business climate in Arkansas before selected government entities, including the legislature, the governor's office and various state agencies, committees and boards. He helps develop and implement State Chamber/AIA legislative strategies and is responsible for enlisting support for these goals. Kenny coordinates the activities of the State Chamber/AIA issue committees.
Susie Marks Senior Vice President – Programs
Susie oversees the State Chamber/AIA’s membership and programs, including Leadership Arkansas, assists with communications and marketing efforts and continues her roles as Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Developers (AED) and the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). She is responsible for enriching and adding to AED and ACCE programs, providing services to local chambers including: coordinating board retreats, implementing programs, providing consulting services, strategic planning, membership development, fund-raising programs and assisting with membership services and initiatives.
Angela DeLille Director of Governmental Affairs
Angela works with the Executive Vice President to enhance the business climate in Arkansas by representing the positions of the two organizations before entities that include the following: committees, boards, various state agencies, the governor's office and the legislature. She helped the State Chamber/AIA establish a permanent presence in Northwest Arkansas by moving there in 2007. Angela works out of an office at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. .
Jeff Thatcher Director of Communications
Jeff is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing State Chamber/AIA communications efforts. He also works to secure non-dues revenue via sponsorships, advertising and other means. Jeff has extensive experience in the media, for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Bill Paddack Director of Marketing Programs & Publications
Bill is responsible for marketing programs, products and activities, including various printed and e-mail publications and the State Chamber/AIA Web site. He also helps recruit, develop and train volunteer sales representatives and teams. He has held editing and writing positions with several newspapers and magazines.
Deb Mathis Manager, Scheduling & Events
Deb coordinates many of the details of the organizations' events while also supporting its communications and marketing efforts. A former teacher, she performs, coordinates and oversees technical and office administrative duties in support of the President & CEO.
Bill Seeger Northwest Arkansas Community Relations & Marketing Director
Bill is responsible for new business development and retention of existing State Chamber/AIA members. He also works to build and maintain relationships with business and industry in Northwest Arkansas.
Henry Jones Northeast Arkansas Community Relations and Marketing Director
Working out of an office in the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Henry is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with area chambers and existing State Chamber / AIA members. He is also responsible for recruiting new members. He previously served as president and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce before retiring in 2006.
Bill Watson Membership Development Representative
Bill is responsible for new business development and retention of existing State Chamber/AIA members. He previously worked as Vice President Membership Development for the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Marcus Turley Membership Development Representative
Marcus is responsible for new business development and retention of existing State Chamber/AIA members. He previously worked for the City of Dallas, Texas, as the executive assistant to the director of development services.
Sue Weatter Manager, Finance & Member Records
Sue is responsible for a variety of functions, including database and account management. A former small business owner, she is also the administrator of the Governor’s Quality Award program.