About Us

About
Wynne

Wynne, Arkansas, is an ideal destination for those considering a move to a small town with big city perks. Nestled under 50 miles from both Downtown Memphis and Jonesboro, Wynne combines a revitalized entrepreneurial spirit with the tranquility of a low-crime, family-friendly community. Established in 1888, this charming town on Crowley’s Ridge offers a rich history and a welcoming southern vibe.

Economically, Wynne is strategically located at a logistical crossroads, with two major highways and Union Pacific Railroad lines intersecting the town. Its proximity to Interstate 40 and nearby Mississippi River ports makes it an excellent hub for businesses needing efficient distribution.

  • Wynne is also home to a robust educational system. The Wynne School District features an academy-based curriculum, allowing students to specialize in STEM or Arts while maintaining strong foundational education. Graduates can seamlessly transition into the workforce or pursue higher education at several institutions within a 50-mile radius.

    For outdoor enthusiasts, Village Creek State Park, just seven miles from Wynne, offers nearly 7,000 acres of scenic trails, campgrounds, and recreational facilities, including a top-rated golf course. With abundant wildlife management areas nearby, the region is also renowned for exceptional waterfowl hunting in winter.

    Overall, whether you're looking to relocate for business or personal reasons, Wynne provides a supportive community, excellent educational opportunities, and a wealth of recreational activities, making it a perfect place to thrive.

Our Team

Bevin Hunter

President & CEO, Wynne Economic Development Corporation

Ms. Bevin Hunter was appointed President & CEO of the Wynne Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in June 2023. In this capacity, she leads strategic initiatives to expand existing businesses, attract new investment, and develop and market Wynne to prospective companies.

From 2017 to 2023, Ms. Hunter served as Director of Economic Development for the Lawrence Group. During her tenure, she led the development of Wilson AR Works Inc., managed key special projects, and supported city infrastructure priorities. She also partnered with the Town of Wilson on a variety of initiatives and contributed to cultural and community engagement efforts through the Wilson Music Series.

Prior to her work with the Lawrence Group, Ms. Hunter spent fourteen years with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), serving in multiple leadership roles. As Director of the Washington, DC office, she collaborated closely with federal agencies and congressional staff across the region and directed several flagship programs, including the Delta Leadership Institute, the Delta Doctors J‑1 Visa Waiver Program, and Innovative Readiness Training missions with the Department of Defense. She also served on the FEMA Economic Recovery Support Function Working Group under the National Disaster Recovery Framework and coordinated major events with federal partners and the White House Rural Council.

In addition to these responsibilities, Ms. Hunter served as Senior Advisor to the Federal Co‑Chairman, Chief Administrative Officer, and Acting Chief of Staff, overseeing agency operations and staff. Her leadership in these roles strengthened organizational performance, federal engagement, and the execution of mission‑critical initiatives across the region.

A native of Cherry Valley, Arkansas, Ms. Hunter now resides in Wynne and remains active in Rotary as a member of the Executive Board, PEO, and other service organizations. She also serves on several statewide and regional boards, including the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives Board, the East Arkansas Planning and Development District Board, the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame Board, and as President of the Arkansas Community Development Society Board.

  • Alexis Gahr

    Alexis Gahr is the Director of Community Engagement and Operations for the Wynne Economic Development Corporation and the Cross County Chamber of Commerce. She joined the organization in 2022 as Marketing and Membership Manager and was promoted to her current role in 2025. In her position, Alexis oversees community events, supports chamber members, and leads initiatives that strengthen local engagement, promote economic vitality, and bring people together. She especially enjoys planning festivals and activities that build community pride and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors.

    A graduate of Cross County High School and East Arkansas Community College, Alexis is deeply committed to serving her hometown. She is a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Cross County, where she serves on the PR Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Wynne Rotary Club, a member of the Arkansas Community Development Society, and plays an active role in the Wynne Downtown Revitalization Committee.

    Her leadership extends across the region. She serves on the Delta Byways Board, supporting tourism, heritage, and regional promotion efforts. Alexis is also active with Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE), engaging with statewide professionals to strengthen community and economic development practices. In 2025, Lexie graduated from the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy, a program that equips emerging leaders with skills, mentorship, and opportunities to advance their impact across the Delta.

  • Samantha Hagler

    Samantha Hagler serves as the Office Manager and Event Outreach Coordinator for the Wynne Economic Development Corporation and additionally as the Director of Wynne Downtown Revitalization. In these roles, she supports daily operations, assists with business and community engagement, and leads efforts to strengthen and promote Wynne’s historic downtown district. Samantha helps coordinate events, works closely with local partners, and contributes to projects that enhance the community’s growth and vibrancy.

    Samantha is also deeply involved in community service. She serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and Public Image Chair for Wynne Rotary, where she helps manage club operations, communications, and outreach efforts that highlight Rotary’s impact in the community.

    A native of Cross County, Samantha is passionate about serving her hometown and creating welcoming, well‑organized experiences for residents, businesses, and visitors. She brings strong organizational skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to supporting Wynne’s continued development.