Meet Our Team
Katie Beck named CEO of The Arkansas Hospitality Association
Little Rock, AR (October 28, 2021) –Katie Beck has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA). As the voice of the hospitality industry including restaurants, lodging, and travel and tourism businesses, Beck will represent the industry before the Arkansas General Assembly, Congressional delegation, and government agencies. She will assist and support the AHA member businesses to help build the future of the hospitality industry in Arkansas.
Before her selection as Arkansas Hospitality CEO, Beck most recently served in state government as Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson. In addition, Beck served the office of Governor Hutchinson from 2016-2019 as liaison to the Arkansas federal delegation, the White House, and federal agencies. Beck advocated for the state at the federal level on a wide range of issues including trade, healthcare, education and workforce development, environmental protection, and federal funding. From January 2015 - September 2016, Beck served as the Executive Assistant to the Governor and Economic Development Liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and business community. In that role, she participated in the recruitment, expansion, and retention of businesses throughout the state.
"I am excited to welcome Katie Beck as the new CEO of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Katie's extensive background working with the highest State and Local officials, along with her experiences and relationships made at the Federal Government level, will be a huge contribution having Katie represent AHA and all its members," said Annette Nichols, Chairman of the AHA Board of Directors.
Beck is a native Arkansan and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from the University of Arkansas, Fullbright College of Arts and Sciences, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.
Ronda Warneke, CFO
Before joining our team as the Director of Finance in 2015, Ronda spent 15 years in non-profit development. In addition to all things finance, her role at AHA encompasses the statewide education ServSafe certification initiative as well as coordination of the Central Arkansas Membership Chapter meetings and events. She is customer service focused, motivated by a challenge and of course, loves a well-designed spreadsheet.
Susie Cowan, Director of Membership Development & Communications
Susie has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for seven years. At the AHA, she specializes in keeping our members connected and up to date with all the latest information and trends in the hospitality industry. Susie oversees the coordination of the Hot Springs Chapter and works with the team to plan many of the major events during the year.
Little Rock, AR (October 28, 2021) –Katie Beck has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA). As the voice of the hospitality industry including restaurants, lodging, and travel and tourism businesses, Beck will represent the industry before the Arkansas General Assembly, Congressional delegation, and government agencies. She will assist and support the AHA member businesses to help build the future of the hospitality industry in Arkansas.
Before her selection as Arkansas Hospitality CEO, Beck most recently served in state government as Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson. In addition, Beck served the office of Governor Hutchinson from 2016-2019 as liaison to the Arkansas federal delegation, the White House, and federal agencies. Beck advocated for the state at the federal level on a wide range of issues including trade, healthcare, education and workforce development, environmental protection, and federal funding. From January 2015 - September 2016, Beck served as the Executive Assistant to the Governor and Economic Development Liaison to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and business community. In that role, she participated in the recruitment, expansion, and retention of businesses throughout the state.
"I am excited to welcome Katie Beck as the new CEO of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Katie's extensive background working with the highest State and Local officials, along with her experiences and relationships made at the Federal Government level, will be a huge contribution having Katie represent AHA and all its members," said Annette Nichols, Chairman of the AHA Board of Directors.
Beck is a native Arkansan and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from the University of Arkansas, Fullbright College of Arts and Sciences, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.
Ronda Warneke, CFO
Before joining our team as the Director of Finance in 2015, Ronda spent 15 years in non-profit development. In addition to all things finance, her role at AHA encompasses the statewide education ServSafe certification initiative as well as coordination of the Central Arkansas Membership Chapter meetings and events. She is customer service focused, motivated by a challenge and of course, loves a well-designed spreadsheet.
Susie Cowan, Director of Membership Development & Communications
Susie has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for seven years. At the AHA, she specializes in keeping our members connected and up to date with all the latest information and trends in the hospitality industry. Susie oversees the coordination of the Hot Springs Chapter and works with the team to plan many of the major events during the year.