Colliers Arkansas Expands Reach to Conway Market with Hire of T.J. Johnston 

Colliers Arkansas has hired T.J. Johnston as its vice president of the Conway market. Johnston’s hiring marks the firm’s official expansion into Faulkner County. 

Johnston has spent the bulk of his professional career in economic development for Conway including positions at Conway Development Corporation, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Downtown Partnership as well as at UCA. His career highlights include being part of the team that recruited Hewlett-Packard to the city, and helping to lead the planning and development of the Donaghey Hall project at UCA. He also assisted in the redevelopment of several historic downtown Conway properties. 

“Colliers has been considering setting up a satellite office in the growing Conway market for some time, and we found a perfect fit in TJ,” Colliers Arkansas President Isaac Smith said. “Our firm has been helping clients in Conway for years with brokerage, property management and development, and we are excited to have the opportunity to grow and serve our clients there with a physical presence.”  

Colliers’ physical storefront in Conway is still being determined, but the firm expects to announce the new location in early 2025. This will mark the fourth Colliers office in the state, with its headquarters in Little Rock and other offices in Rogers and Hot Springs. 

EDUCATION 

The University of Central Arkansas honored three alumni at its 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration on Oct. 26. 

Darryl Arbor was named the Karen Sullards Alumni Service Award recipient, which honors a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding service to UCA through sustained involvement, leadership, and support. 

Drew Spurgers was the recipient of the Young Alumni Award, which recognizes a young graduate — under the age of 40 — who has made significant strides in their career and has shown strong leadership and promise in their field. 

Carolyn Ishee was named the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes an alumnus for their dedication and commitment to volunteering, often going above and beyond in their efforts to support the university and its alumni community. 

UTILITIES 

Conway Corp Chief Executive Officer Bret Carroll has been named an Arkansas Money & Politics Top 100 Professional for the second year in a row. 

Professionals are recognized in categories that span the spectrum of industry in Arkansas, from banking to real estate, from manufacturing to nonprofits. 

Carroll has been with Conway Corp for 26 years, serving as chief financial officer prior to being named chief executive officer in 2017. 

Plant Operator Apprentice Chase Weatherly recently earned his Class I Wastewater Treatment certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. Weatherley began his career with Conway Corp in November 2022. 

Keith Turner, a senior lake operator, has been transferred to Brewer Lake, where he will be responsible for maintaining the 28,900-acre lake line, which is Conway’s main water source. Turner will ensure the lake’s cleanliness, while also overseeing the operation of the pump house and carbon feed systems. He will also perform general property maintenance. 

Turner started his career at Conway Corp in 2005 as a utility worker apprentice before being promoted to utility worker in 2008. He was promoted to senior utility worker in 2021. He was promoted to water systems foreman in 2022 and to his current role in June. 

Tony Leach, electric systems senior designer, received Conway Corp’s annual Safety Leadership Award. 

The Safety Leadership Award recognizes an employee who inspires, improves and maintains best practices in safety. Leach joined the company in 1994 as a groundman. He was promoted to electric systems designer 1 in 2001 and electric systems designer 2 in 2006. He was promoted to his current role in 2019. 

Customer Service Specialist Tressie Mazen received the company’s annual Customer Service Award. 

 The Customer Service Award recognizes an employee who is dedicated to improving customer satisfaction and consistently strives to exceed customer expectations internally and externally. Mazen joined the company in 2021. 

Mark Ferguson received Conway Corp’s annual Tower of Excellence award.  

The Tower of Excellence Award recipient has made a significant impact on Conway Corp through outstanding dedication and exceptional job performance. This employee consistently displays characteristics valued by co-workers and is dedicated to fulfilling Conway Corp’s mission. 

Ferguson joined the company as a part-time DAT installer in 2012 before being promoted to a full-time water systems engineer in 2013. He was then promoted to water systems engineer 2 in 2017. He was promoted to his current role in 2020.