FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz is the new presiding co-chair for the non-profit Northwest Arkansas Council. Steinmetz joined the Council’s Executive Committee shortly after becoming chancellor in early 2016.

The Northwest Arkansas Council plays a central role in taking on high-priority projects across the region. It was a primary organization involved in the 1998 opening of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, and it’s helped with other transportation projects. It continues to be involved in infrastructure projects, but its work has expanded in recent years to include economic development and workforce development.

“I’m looking forward to my term as presiding co-chair of the Northwest Arkansas Council,” Steinmetz said. “Higher education has a role in the vibrancy and vitality of a region. In addition to providing education, research and outreach – colleges and universities also contribute to the cultural amenities, intellectual capital, talent and workforce development that are great for business and great for life. My plan is to encourage ways in which the community can collaborate with higher education for mutual benefit.

“All the ingredients for success are right here in Northwest Arkansas and the opportunity to work alongside such impassioned leaders across industry sectors is invigorating.”

Steinmetz is the third U of A chancellor to lead the Council, and he takes over for former Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith as presiding co-chair. The chancellors who led the Council in previous years were John A. White and David Gearhart.

Alice Walton led the Council, which was founded in 1990, in its formative years. U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt, who retired as a member of Congress in 1993, took over the chairman’s role that same year. He served until 2006.

The Council shifted to the presiding co-chair system that same year, inviting Northwest Arkansas leaders to take turns heading the organization in one-year stints. Previous presiding co-chairs were John Tyson, Lee Scott, Kirk Thompson, Mark Simmons, Rosalind Brewer, Jim Walton, White and Gearhart.