Leadership & Governance
The Arkansas Waterways Association is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors drawn from across the state's waterway, port, and logistics communities. Since the association's founding in 1995, the board has provided strategic direction and advocacy leadership for the five major rivers of Arkansas: the Arkansas, Mississippi, Red, Ouachita, and White.
Board members represent a cross-section of public and private stakeholders committed to ensuring Arkansas waterways remain viable for commerce, recreation, and economic development. The board meets regularly to set policy priorities, plan industry events, and strengthen partnerships with port authorities, terminal operators, and intermodal logistics providers.
The Arkansas Waterways Association's Board of Directors brings together leaders from across the public and private sectors who share a common commitment to the state's river systems. Board members represent ports, terminals, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, each contributing unique expertise to the association's mission. This diverse composition ensures that the board can effectively advocate for policies that support commerce, recreation, and environmental stewardship along the Arkansas, Mississippi, Red, Ouachita, and White rivers. Directors serve as ambassadors for waterway interests within their own communities, helping to build broad-based support for the infrastructure investments and maintenance programs that keep Arkansas's rivers navigable and economically productive.
The board operates with a focus on strategic planning and advocacy, meeting regularly to address emerging challenges and opportunities facing the state's waterways. Members collaborate on positions related to lock and dam operations, channel maintenance, port development, and water resource management. By maintaining strong relationships with state and federal agencies, the board helps ensure that Arkansas's waterway interests are represented in policy discussions at every level. Directors also oversee the association's annual conference and educational programming, which bring together industry professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to share knowledge and build consensus around shared goals for the future of Arkansas's river systems.
Since the association's founding, the Board of Directors has played a vital role in cultivating the next generation of waterway advocates. Board members actively mentor emerging leaders within the industry, encouraging enthusiastic participation from younger professionals who will carry the mission forward. The board also guides the association's membership development efforts, working to expand the coalition of organizations and individuals who recognize the value of healthy, well-maintained waterways. Through their collective leadership, the directors ensure that the association remains a unified and effective voice for Arkansas's rivers, ports, and terminals, adapting to changing conditions while staying true to the core mission of sustaining these essential transportation corridors.
Executive Leadership
Melanie Baden
The Executive Director manages day-to-day operations, member relations, conference planning, and advocacy coordination. Inquiries may be directed to (870) 672-1425 or through the contact page.
Board Membership
The Board of Directors includes representatives from port authorities, terminal facilities, engineering firms, agricultural shippers, and other organizations with a stake in Arkansas waterway infrastructure. Board seats reflect the geographic and economic diversity of the state's five-river system.
For information about board composition, current vacancies, or how to become involved in association leadership, please visit the Members page or contact the Executive Director directly.