During Convention 92, the Arkansas Municipal League recognized individual officials and municipalities for their outstanding service to their communities and to the League. The awards were presented during the New Officers’ and Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 19.
Four Star Municipality Awards
Seven cities received the Four Star Municipality Award for demonstration of excellence in loss control, employee safety, wellness, vehicle safety and prevention of liability. They are: Charleston, Cherokee Village, Clinton, Greenbrier, Harrisburg, Mena and Sheridan.
Jack R. Rhodes Distinguished Service Award
Four officials received the Jack R. Rhodes Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of dedicated service to the League. Rhodes served as mayor of Lake Village from 1957 until his retirement in 1990 and was one of the longest-serving mayors in Arkansas history. This year’s recipients are Beebe Mayor Mike Robertson, Charleston Clerk/Treasurer Peggy Neal, Gassville Council Member Tim McFarland and North Little Rock Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey.
Adrian L. White Municipal Leadership Award
Eight local officials received the Adrian L. White Municipal Leadership Award, which is presented to those who have served on the League’s boards, councils or committees for six years. The award is named in honor of White, who was the mayor of Pocahontas from 1967-1974 and a former League president and vice president. This year’s recipients are Cave Springs Mayor Randall Noblett, Cherry Valley Recorder/Treasurer Stacey Bennett, Dermott Council Member Robin Hawkins-Cook, El Dorado Mayor Paul Choate, El Dorado City Clerk Heather McVay, Maumelle Council Member Chad Gardner, Ozark Mayor Roxie Hall and Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell.
Marvin L. Vinson Commitment to Excellence Award
Five city officials who have served the League for 12 years received the Marvin L. Vinson Commitment to Excellence Award, named for the longtime Clarksville mayor who served from 1983 until 2001 and was League president in 1992-1993. The recipients are Bryant Finance Director Joy Black, Centerton Mayor Bill Edwards, Hot Springs City Director Karen Garcia, Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann and Rogers Mayor Greg Hines.
ACCRTA, ACAA elect new officers
Both the Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association and the Arkansas City Attorneys Association held their annual business meetings during the League’s Convention 92 and elected new officers.
The ACCRTA officers for 2026-2027 are: Cave Springs Clerk/Treasurer Kimberly Hutcheson, president; Greenwood Clerk/Treasurer Sharla Derry, vice president; Murfreesboro Recorder/Treasurer Penny Lamb, secretary; and North Little Rock Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey, appointed treasurer.
The ACAA officers for 2026-2027 are: Maumelle City Attorney Andrew Thornton, president; Jonesboro City Attorney Carol Duncan, vice president; and Blake Gary, Gary Law Firm, secretary/treasurer.
