The world of Natural State nonprofits just keeps getting more awesome. Earlier this year, Heart of Arkansas United Way announced Lynn Pharr as its new president and chief executive officer.
Native Arkansan Pharr has three decades worth of experience in nonprofit leadership, more than 20 of those years with seven different United Ways across the country. As she settles into her new role in her new/old home state, Soirée got a chance to catch up with Parr.
Welcome home! Did you miss anything about The Natural State?
Thank you, everyone has been so welcoming. This is a great question, but the truth is I never really left Arkansas … I have returned physically at least once a year, sometimes more, to spend time with family. And mentally, I visited often. Not only was a part of my heart always here, but so much of who I am was learned here or instilled in me by parents who were raised here and are now retired in Arkansas. I am convinced that my work ethic and stick-to-itiveness comes from generations of Arkansas farmers. No matter where I roam, I’ve never been too far from Arkansas!
As you know, nonprofits play a big role in Little Rock. What are you most excited about as you join the nonprofit community?
Partnerships. I feel strongly that the challenges that the nonprofit community faces today requires — no, demands — that we all work collectively to move the needle in a positive direction. As leaders in an ever-increasing complex landscape, we must share both ideas as well as resources to find solutions to our community’s needs. I look forward to working with all sectors — nonprofits, faith community, governmental, academia, individuals and business — to create a better region to work, live and grow.
With more than 20 years of service to United Way under your belt, why do you think the organization’s work is important?
Early in my career, I had the opportunity to be the executive director of an agency funded by United Way, and I learned firsthand of the importance of United Way. United Way funding allowed me to prioritize people and their needs over excessive paperwork. That check each month gave that agency some peace of mind that I would be able to keep the doors open. That partnership with United Way allowed my small agency to have a large presence in materials that were distributed annually to thousands of people.
As a United Way professional, I also understand our role in helping folks in our community understand the depth and breadth of needs and who is working to address those needs efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, United Way plays a unique role in being a neutral table to address emerging needs and competing interest in the nonprofit community.
Outside of work, what are you looking forward to about being in Little Rock?
My primary personal motivation when I accepted this position was to be able to spend more time with my parents. They live in Charleston, Arkansas, and are my heroes. My plan is to be more involved in their lives and have them involved in mine.
Dad and I are working on a landscaping plan for my new home in Maumelle. I know nothing about landscape, so this might be a journey.
I do look forward to getting to know people in Little Rock and finding my tribe here! I love to volunteer, so I’m searching for that place that I can contribute both time and talent.
To learn more about Heart of Arkansas United Way, visit their website and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.