Board of Directors

President 

Raven Crowden, SHRM-CP

National SHRM Member

Raven is a Human Resources leader with over 15 years of experience supporting organizations across manufacturing, staffing, and public service. She currently serves as a Human Resources Manager at Simmons Foods, where she partners with leadership to drive engagement, retention, and workforce effectiveness in a manufacturing environment.

Raven holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith and is SHRM-CP certified. Her areas of expertise include employee relations, compliance, workforce development, succession planning, and culture transformation.

She is passionate about elevating the HR profession and fostering collaboration among HR leaders throughout Arkansas.

President Elect

Jessica Day, SHRM-CP

National SHRM Member

Jessica is a dedicated HR professional with more than a decade of experience in a variety of HR functions, including payroll, benefits, performance management, employee life cycle, etc. She has been with Firstar Bank for 13 years, and currently serves as AVP/Senior HR Generalist. She is committed to building relationships and fostering a trusting, open environment where employees feel heard and supported. In her volunteer role as President Elect, she is dedicated to supporting WAHRA and all volunteer leaders on the board of directors in any way possible.

Jessica is SHRM-CP certified, and an active member of SHRM and WAHRA. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering with local animal rescues and crossing another half marathon finish line.  

Past President

Steve Jackson

As a 40-year media representative, Steve Jackson is known for turning your advertising investments into sizable profits. He wears the golden ring. Currently serving as Senior Account Executive for Lamar Advertising Company. 

Local businesses love working with him. His billboard designs are actively seen on traditional and large-format digital displays. He's written and produced enduring commercials that have produced results for over 25 years. His recognizable voice is sometimes heard on local, regional, and national projects.

Steve nurtures diverse personal interests. He loves culinary arts, is a fitness enthusiast, and an active investor. He has dedicated over 30 years to serving as a pastor of the Primitive Baptist Church of Fort Smith.

Treasurer

Tara Chisum, SHRM-CP, PHR

Tara Chisum is the Senior Total Rewards Analyst at MacLean Power Systems and brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources and total rewards. She has a strong background in in benefits and leave administration, compensation, compliance, and employee wellness initiatives. Tara is known for her strong operational leadership, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex regulatory and compliance environments while ensuring employees have access to meaningful, well-managed benefits programs.

Tara holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in human resource management, and she maintains both PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. She is passionate about helping employees understand and fully utilize their benefits while contributing to strong, people-focused workplace programs.

Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her family, is the proud parent of a son, and works with a local auction company for fun.

Professional Development, Programs, Diversity,

Certification Director

Dr. Kimberly Gordon, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

National SHRM Member

Dr. Kimberley Gordon, widely known as Dr. G, is a professor of leadership and management at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS) and lead consultant for the UAFS Center for Economic Development. She is recognized as a regional expert in human resources and organizational development, partnering with organizations to build effective, people-centered systems.

Dr. Gordon provides consulting, customized training, workshops, and executive coaching grounded in systems thinking and holistic development. She also serves as a part-time instructor in Penn State University’s graduate program in Human Resources and Employment Relations.

Through the Center for Economic Development, Dr. Gordon supports public, private, nonprofit, and international organizations, working across white-, blue-, brown-, and green-collar environments. Her clients include municipalities and federal organizations.

Outside of her professional work, Dr G operates Fancy Pants Publishing, LLC, with her two granddaughters. The trio’s collection, The Little Jesus Chronicles, is available worldwide

Secretary

Heather Chaffin

National SHRM Member

Heather Chaffin currently serves as the Vice President of People & Culture at PRADCO Outdoor Brands. With more than fifteen years of experience as an HR Business Partner supporting Fortune 100 companies, Heather brings deep expertise in organizational development, leadership coaching, and strategic people initiatives.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science in Operations Management with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Arkansas. Her professional focus areas include talent development, employee relations, engagement strategies, and cultivating strong, people-centered workplace cultures.

Heather has served on the WAHRA board since 2023. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she invests in future generations by serving as a mentor through the Fort Smith Public Schools Partners in Education program.

SHRM Foundation 

Chrissy Nguyen

Chrissy Nguyen is an experienced financial advisor with ten years of industry experience. Alongside her financial expertise, she has held diverse roles in the manufacturing and oilfield industries. This broad experience enriches her perspective on workplace safety, compliance, labor relations, and overall HR challenges. Her multifaceted background also enhances her approach to compensation, benefits, and financial wellness programs.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Chrissy has a servant's heart and is actively involved in several nonprofits within her community. She serves as the Chair of the SHRM Foundation and helps raise funds through organizing and leading fundraising events to strengthen the HR profession by turning solid research into practical tools people can use at work.

Outside of her professional life, Chrissy is a dedicated single mom who enjoys cooking and dining with her foodie children. She is also a plant mom, spending much of her spare time nurturing her plants.

Legislative Affairs

Jessica Brown

National SHRM Member

Jessica Brown currently serves as Human Resources Generalist at Red Wing Shoe plant in Clarksville, Arkansas. She has 5 years of experience in human resources.

Jessica has earned an undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management, a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) all from the University of Phoenix. She has been accepted into the Masters of Human Recourses and Employment Law program at Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Conner College of Law, starting in Fall of 2026.

In her spare time, she loves to travel, cook, and spend time with family and grandkids.

College Relations

Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams, originally from New Zealand, but now with over 35 years in the United States, considers Arkansas home(ish). He brings over 25 years of higher education experience to his role of College Relations director for WAHRA through previous experience with several colleges and universities in MO, KS, and AR and most recently as assistant director in the Babb Center for Career Services at UAFS, and currently adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Industry.

Jeff has a Bachelor of Management Studies, University of Waikato and a Master of Education, Baker University, KS.

Jeff is keen to present the broad world of human resources to students as a career choice,  as well as the scholarship opportunities at state and national levels.

Membership and Communications

Brittaney Taylor

National SHRM Member

Brittaney Taylor is new to the world of Human Resources. She currently serves as HR Representative at Firstar Bank, where she has been a part of the team since 2025. With a strong focus on people, communication, and engagement, Brittaney is passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures and building meaningful connections within her organization and across the HR community.

Her background in the financial industry has strengthened her approach to problem-solving, confidentiality, and employee relations. Brittaney is eager to learn and actively contribute in her role with WAHRA.

Outside of work, Brittaney enjoys spending time with her son and cheering him on at his sporting events. She brings the same dedication and heart to both her family and professional life.