Conductor Taps Leslie McColgan as New Program Director 

Conductor, a central Arkansas-based entrepreneurial support organization, announced Jan. 20 the appointment of Leslie McColgan as its new program director. McColgan brings nearly ten years of experience in healthcare leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships. 

In her new role, McColgan will lead the development and management of Conductor’s innovative programming, which is designed to lower barriers to entrepreneurship and empower entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business leaders to launch and scale their businesses. McColgan will oversee Conductor’s events, services, and initiatives, ensuring the highest quality and impact for the small business and entrepreneurial community. 

“Leslie brings a unique blend of business acumen and strong, established relationships in the business community, along with new energy and ideas,” said Grace Rains, Conductor Executive Director, “Her background in business development and strategic partnerships will play a critical role in driving the growth of our entrepreneurial ecosystem.” 

Prior to joining Conductor, McColgan served as director of physician network development at Conway Regional Medical Center, where she supervised over 30 staff members and spearheaded initiatives to improve quality performance, expand services, and create accessible healthcare solutions. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. 

EDUCATION 

Central Baptist College has hired Michael Davis as its new Professional Adult College Education department chair and director of online studies. He most recently served as an adjunct professor in the business department. 

As PACE Department Chair and Director of Online Studies, Davis will develop, articulate, and foster a vision for the department. He will also engage in the department’s curriculum plan to include new programs and degree ideas beneficial to the PACE Department. 

The University of Central Arkansas has hired Jeremy Bruner as its associate vice president of finance. Bruner will oversee the areas of financial accounting, scholarship compliance, student accounts, post-award grants, and finance technical support. He will also be responsible for construction accounting. He previously worked at UCA as its controller from 2013 to 2022. 

HEALTH CARE 

Baptist Health has promoted Janet Marshall  to chief development officer of its foundation. Marshall had served in the interim role for more than three months. She started at Baptist Health in 1992.  

Conway Regional Health System has hired Katie Cruz as a neonatal nurse practitioner in its neonatal intensive care at Conway Regional Medical Center. Cruz brings over eight years of experience caring for critically ill infants at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. 

TECHNOLOGY 
Mainstream Technologies has hired Jericho Franklin as a client success consultant. Franklin will be responsible for developing and maintaining advisory relationships with customers. 

Chris Johnson has been hired as a project engineer. He will be responsible for assessing, designing, and implementing technological solutions for customers. 

UTILITIES 

Conway Corp Chief Marketing Officer Crystal Kemp has been named president of the Arkansas Women in Power board for 2025. AWIP is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in the energy sector. 

Lesia White, call center supervisor, received the Master Performance award in the Outstanding Leadership category at the 2024 Mid-America Cable Telecommunications Association Customer Service Excellence Awards in December. 

White started her career part-time at Conway Corp as a customer care specialist before becoming full-time in June 2012. She was promoted to lead customer care specialist in December 2012. She was promoted to her current role in March 2014. 

Michelle Hatfield has been promoted to customer care specialist II after completing certifications in master account and sales representative with NCTI.  

Peyton Freeman, plant operator apprentice, recently earned his Class IV Water Treatment certification from the Arkansas Department of Health.  

Yolonda Harris, human resources technician, recently earned her Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional certification. The SHRM-CP program equips participants with the skills and strategies needed to foster growth, drive performance and empower individuals in their professional journeys. By earning this certification, Harris has demonstrated her commitment to professional excellence and her dedication to supporting and developing others.