Mayor-elect Vivian Flowers has announced the formation of her Transition Advisory Board to guide the strategic planning and community engagement efforts to shape the future of Pine Bluff.
The advisory board, composed of local leaders, experts and stakeholders, will focus on shaping the policies and initiatives of the new administration to address Pine Bluff’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, according to a news release.
The Transition Advisory Board consists of: Dr. Calvin Johnson, chair; Latasha McNeely Randle, co-chair; Tom Bennett, Infrastructure and Economic Development lead; Ted Davis, Budget and Finance lead; Dr. Tyrone Jackson, Education and Workforce lead; Pastor James Murry, Faith and Community Engagement lead; Susie Powell, Public Safety lead; Carlton Saffa, Tourism and Nature lead; Kymara Seals, Social Impact and Sustainability lead; Henry “Hank” Wilkins V, Government Transformation lead; Aareyon Wallace, Youth Investment lead; and James Word, Senior Outreach and Advocacy lead.
These individuals will play a pivotal role in aligning Flowers’ vision for Pine Bluff’s growth and sustainability with actionable recommendations from the community at large, according to the release. The board’s work will focus on engaging residents, analyzing key areas of governance and ensuring a productive, people-powered administration.
“The formation of this advisory board underscores my commitment to inclusive leadership and community-driven solutions,” said Flowers. “Our campaign was people-centered, and our administration will be the same. So together we will lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant Pine Bluff.”
The board’s initial meeting will take place in January. Updates regarding the application process to serve on board committees and ensuing board activities will be shared regularly to ensure transparency and engagement with all Pine Bluff residents.
Flowers will be sworn into office at a public joint swear-in ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Pine Bluff Convention Center Auditorium.