Who We Are

Staff Members

candace williams

Executive Director
williams@thenewrural.org

Williams holds a degree in Family and Consumer Science from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas and is pursuing a Masters degree in Public Administration.  She is from the small Delta town of Elaine, Arkansas. She served as a board member starting as a high school student in 2007 until the time she became a staff member. Williams coordinates member relations, organizes conferences, attends legislative meetings, directs special projects, does strategic planning, directs staff, and maintains the central Arkansas office of the organization.

lincoln barnett

Delta Regional Director
barnett@thenewrural.org

Lincoln has a BS degree in Psychology from Morehouse College in Atlanta and a Master of Divinity from the Memphis Theological Seminary. He is an active community member in Hughes where he attended high school then graduated from the Arkansas School for Science, Mathematics and the Arts. He is a youth minister and after school program director.

Candy Webb

Youth Network Coordinator
webb@thenewrural.org

Candy serves as the Youth Network Coordinator. She feels that she has been blessed to be a part of rural Arkansas my whole life. Her family takes their part in youth leadership very seriously.Candy and her family have volunteered for the past 12 plus years with RCA and Saline County 4-H. She loves being outdoors and discovering all the hidden gems and quirky adventures our state has to offer.

tanya broadnax

Southeast Regional Director
broadnax@thenewrural.org

After a career in health care, Broadnax moved back home to the Arkansas Delta to work with youth and help with revitalizing her community. She organizes communities in the four southeast counties of Chicot, Desha, Drew, and Ashley, works with parental engagement, does youth organizing, and is in charge of forming a southeast regional revitalization network.  She is an officer of the State PTA organization.

matt grandon

North Central Regional Director
mgrandon@thenewrural.org

A graphic artist with 14 years of professional experience in design and production, Matt Grandon helped develop the Ozark Byways and Delta Highway Projects.  He designs websites, signs, magazine, logos and organizes chapters in north central Arkansas.

Board Members

erma brown

President

Erma Brown is a retired Ouachita County Administrator for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. She currently serves on Ouachita County Quorum Court as Justice of the Peace. She’s a graduate of Leadership Arkansas (LEADAR) and the Community Development Institute (CDI). She has served as Region 13 School District Representative of the Arkansas School Board Association, President of Stephens School District Board, Vice President of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, member of the Camden Chamber of Commerce Board, Facilitator for Camden Leadership program, President of the Women's Crisis Center, and appointed by the Governor to serve on the Arkansas Child Abuse Prevention Board.She holds a Master Degree in Counseling and is a proud member of the St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church.

Jason Hayes

Treasurer

Jason Hayes has years of experience in the banking field, leading volunteer organizations, and as a mechanical technician. He currently serves as the Director of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ricky Lambert

Vice President

Rickey Lambert is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. He is employed as a Desktop Support Analyst with Lion Oil Company in El Dorado, Arkansas. Lambert is married to Pamela Boone-Lambert, and they have a son, Ricotta, and a daughter, Jayla. Lambert brings to Rural Community Alliance a passion for and history of service. He has been an alderman for the city of Waldo for the past ten years and has taught Sunday school in his local church. He is a gifted musician, photographer and also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Diann Epps

Secretary

Diann is a veteran of the US Army and a former teacher in rural Arkansas. She’s currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organization Leadership. Diann has volunteered for years in various community organizations in Camden, AR. She has passion for working with youth.

Youth Network Board Members

Dejia Harris

Dejia Harris is 15 years old and lives Dermott. She loves playing basketball, being with her friends and helping people. She plans on being a surgeon. She currently serve as Historian for the Southeast region. 

Gavin Smith

Gavin Smith is from Traskwood. He serves as Historian for the Central region. He likes video games and farm life. One of his regional goals is to have a cleaning team for the roads in his hometown to combat the issue of littering.

Lanesha Flowers

Lanesha Flowers is 16 years old and represents the Southeast region as Historian for the RCA Youth Advisory Board. She lives in Bradley, AR and loves getting to know people and playing softball. One of her favorite things to do is explore new places.

Jada Ford

Jada Ford is a 12 year old from Dermott Arkansas . She is in the 7th grade. She is a writer, singer, dancer, painter and cheerleader captain. She attends Rose Hill Church where she has served as the Sunday School Jr. Superintendent. She enjoys singing in the adult and youth choir and is active in her community. She plans to be a professional dancer. Jada currently serves as the RCA Youth Advisory Board Secretary

Lily Webb

Lily Webb is 19 years old and has worked with RCA for 10 years. She works full time at a local Vet office. She loves the peace and quiet in her hometown of Paron. She also enjoys travel and new food experiences.

John Easter

John Easter is 18 years old from Bradley, AR. He serves as Historian for the Southeast region. He likes to sing and be active in his church. He also likes to play basketball. His favorite subject in school is math.

Radeja Ford

Radeja Ford is 14 years old from Dermott Arkansas. She is in the 10th grade and is a star basketball player. Radeja attends Rose Hill Church where she served as the Sunday School Junior Secretary. She sings in both the adult and youth choir. She is active in her community. Radeja is currently the RCA youth historian for the Southeast region. She plans to be a OB/GYN.