THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST, PLEASE REACH OUT TO MEGAN RIGGS AT MRIGGS@LITTLEROCKCHAMBER.COM OR 501-374-2001.

Power Up Little Rock is hosted by the Chamber and presented by Arvest Bank. This quarterly series highlights important economic development trends, issues and developments within the region and state.

Outdoor recreation, whether it is taking a family camping trip, kayaking along the scenic waterways, or simply having a picnic with friends at a local park, is a major driver of tourism and local economies.

Join us for an engaging Power Up Little Rock: Outdoor Recreation Panel Discussion on April 24th at noon where industry leaders will focus on the rich outdoor leisure opportunities in The Natural State. The Little Rock region offers invaluable advantages for recreation, relaxation, and physical activity, which contribute to the overall health and quality of life for both residents and visitors. During the discussion, panelists will highlight methods to capitalize on its unique beauty and resources.

Meet our panelists

Katherine Andrews
Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Katherine is the state's first Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. She is responsible for leading the state's efforts to grow the outdoor recreation industry, the creation and progress of collaborative relationships between outdoor industry stakeholders in Arkansas, fostering the growth of outdoor companies, and the support and advocacy of conservation in The Natural State.

In 2023, Katherine was appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the Natural State Advisory Council and leads the Outdoor Economy subcommittee. Katherine was also selected by her peers to be the 2024 Chair of the Confluence of States, a bipartisan organization of Offices of Outdoor Recreation from across the country. Katherine is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, running, and spending time in nature with her family and friends.

First Gentleman Bryan Sanders
Chairman, Natural State Advisory Council

Arkansas First Gentleman Bryan Sanders is a political strategist who has done polling and television advertising for Republican governors, senators, and presidential candidates. He has distinguished himself as a strategist for some of the most unexpected Republican victories in the country over the past few decades and was named a "Rising Star in American Politics" by Campaigns and Elections magazine. A native of Kansas City, Bryan is a graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where he majored in Government.

Bryan met his wife, the 47th Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, working on her father, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's, presidential campaign in Iowa in 2007, followed her to Little Rock, and has been a proud Arkansan ever since. Bryan and the Governor have three children, Scarlett, Huck, and George, and a Golden Retriever, Traveler. Bryan enjoys mountain biking and spending time outdoors with his family in the Natural state.

Leland Couch
Director, Little Rock Parks and Recreation
City of Little Rock

Leland Couch was appointed the Director of Little Rock Parks and Recreation in April 2022. He has a Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and is a Registered Landscape Architect. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) and also holds certifications as an Arkansas Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional and a Certified Intermediate Sawyer.

Prior to his appointment as Director of Parks and Recreation, Leland has held several positions in the department’s Operations and Improvement Division for more than fifteen years of service. During his tenure, he has also been a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and has severed several years on the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Association Executive Board (APRA) and remains an active member.

Mr. Couch is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and resides in mid-town with his two young children. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities that consist of fishing, mountain biking, camping, and outings at the lake.

For more information or registration issues, please contact Teuana Smith at 501.377.6031 or tsmith@littlerockchamber.com

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