Staff & Board

Tim Allen, Chamber President & CEO, joined the Chamber staff in November 2011. Prior to becoming Chamber President in 2014, Tim served as the Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for Economic Development for the Fort Smith MSA, overseeing Chamber staff and functions, and working with community leaders to improve the regional quality of place.

Tonya Rogers-Sarlls, Vice President of Operations, joined the Chamber staff in October 2015.  She is responsible for leading and managing the daily operations of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, including financial reporting, event and program management and membership and recruiting services.

Steven Lamm, Vice President of Workforce Development, joined the Chamber in June 2019.  He is responsible for strengthening ties between educational institutions and the business community. Prior to joining the Chamber he worked with the AEDC from 2014 – 2019, and worked for then Gov. Mike Beebe prior to that. Between 2010-2012, he worked at the Center for Preparedness and Recovery at Arkansas Tech University, developing and implementing regional continuity plans and exercises.

Jennifer Black, Senior Finance Coordinator, joined the Chamber staff in December 2015.  She is responsible for the accounts payable and accounts receivable and maintaining financial information for the Chamber, affiliates and associated groups.

Lindsey Trantham, Senior Events Coordinator, joined our staff in September 2017.  Lindsey oversees the planning, coordination and execution of premier Chamber events including First Friday Breakfast, Annual Meeting, Jack White Legislative Golf Tournament, Healthcare Reception, Washington Fly-in and the Business/Career Expo.  Lindsey also serves as the liaison for our Healthcare Committee. 

Dawn Turner, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Dawn Turner joined the Chamber staff in September 2018. Dawn is responsible for Chamber communication efforts including the development, production and distribution of marketing messages. This includes the Chamber’s website and social media platforms. Dawn also creates and distributes the Chamber’s newsletter and works with vendors on special projects including the city map and the Community Profile magazine.

Susan Krafft, Educational Program Administrator, Susan Krafft re-joined the Chamber staff in September 2018.  Susan is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the Leadership Fort Smith and Junior Leadership Academy programs.  Susan also serves as the liaison between the Chamber and the local school systems regarding educational related activities such as the Arkansas Scholar’s program, Teachers’ Appreciation Events and Partners in Education.

Madi Cervantes, Administrative Assistant, Madi’s primary function is to support the coordination of the office activities and to act as a customer service representative for both internal and external customers.  Madi has been a part of the River Valley community since 2006. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 2015, then from the University of Oklahoma in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies with a minor in social justice.