Our Team

Chief Executive Officer

Gengelbach accepted the President and CEO position in early October 2023 and expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, too. “I am truly honored to join the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization that plays a pivotal and convening role in promoting business and enhancing the overall quality of life in Greater Bentonville and NorthwestArkansas. I look forward to working closely with our members, community partners, and stakeholders to help build an even brighter economic future for our region.” Gengelbach further shared, “And it doesn’t hurt that Bentonville is known for its cycling community. The cyclist in me can’t wait to explore all of the trails Northwest Arkansas has to offer.”

Before assuming his GBACC role, Gengelbach served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, he joined the Fort Worth Chamber as the Executive Vice President of Economic Development, where he held responsibility for the four pillars of the Chamber’s strategic plan, known as Fortify: overseeing business attraction and retention efforts, talent development, small business initiatives, and advocacy. Gengelbach has over 20 years of diverse economic development and chamber of commerce experience, both domestic and international, with positions held in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Brisbane, Australia. In these roles, he excelled at marketing city assets and assessing client needs to facilitate corporate relocations and expansions into various cities.

 

Vice President, Member Engagement and Events​

Sherry joined the Chamber in May 2018. She is the Director of WalStreet and Major Investor Engagement. Sherry’s primary responsibilities are ensuring the continuous and steady growth of the Chamber’s WalStreet program. She oversees the WalStreet Speaker Series, Fireside Chats, Bayou Bash and the WalStreet Bike and Brew events. Prior to joining the Chamber Sherry worked for JB Hunt, Member Services and in pharmaceutical sales.

Vice President, Economic Development​

James joined the Chamber in November 2020 and is an accomplished senior executive leader with more than 25 years of diverse business experience in a variety of corporate and non-profit environments. He brings to the table a proven track record in entrepreneurial ecosystem growth and direct industry recruitment. His passion for economic development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and 21st-century economic growth led him to return to his native state to contribute and build on Bentonville’s storied success.

Immediately prior to his role at the Chamber, James was Founder and President of Medical Device Guru LLC, an Adjunct Professor in the MBA and entrepreneurship programs at Christian Brothers University in Memphis and International Business Executive-in-Residence at The University of Memphis Research Foundation Research Park. He graduated from Christian Brothers University with an MBA and an Executive Certificate in Project Management. He also earned undergraduate degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Operations Manager

Jack Short joins the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce from the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce where he served as Existing Business & Talent Development Coordinator. Short is returning to Northwest Arkansas following his graduation from the University of Central Arkansas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and played five years of college football. Short shares that, away from work, he looks forward to exploring Northwest Arkansas’ opportunities for outdoor recreation, including biking, skateboarding and wakeboarding.

Associate, Member Engagement

Emily Cook joins the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce from the University of Arkansas where she was an Assistant Director in the office of New Student & Family Programs, overseeing camp programs, student leaders, and new student events. Emily is a double graduate from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville with her bachelor’s degree in marketing and M.Ed. in Higher Education. She is excited to get back to her business roots and support the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce through member engagement and events.

Front Desk Coordinator

Desi McCutchen joins the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce from Sonora Middle School where she served as 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher. She is experienced in engaging diverse groups and fostering a comfortable environment for students and their parents. McCutchen obtained her BSED from Oklahoma State University and her Associate of Arts in English from Tulsa Community College.

Director, Community Development and Education

Jasmine comes to the Chamber with over 10 years of non-profit experience, where she spearheaded marketing campaigns, fundraising events, diversity training programs, and advocacy on both local and state levels. She has worked with various non-profits whose missions ranged from women empowerment, veteran services, to human rights and education. She is no stranger to making conversations with future friends and is passionate about creating a more inclusive community. During Jasmine’s spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, creating memories with her friends/family, and traveling.

Director, NWA Tech Summit

Kris comes to the Chamber from a career of service with nonprofit organizations. For the Chamber, Kris leads the annual Northwest Arkansas Tech Summit, which is the heartland’s premier technology conference and a mechanism for enhancing and diversifying the local economy. Prior to joining the Chamber’s team, he served as the Director of Development for Restoration Village, a long-term women and children’s shelter.

Kris holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Arkansas State University, a master of divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and an undergraduate degree from Liberty University.

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