Graycen Colbert Bigger
Executive Director, Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority
Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, FNBC Bank
About me: I am a certified economic and community developer strengthening rural communities throughout northeast Arkansas through my work with the NEA Regional Intermodal Authority and FNBC Bank. With nearly two decades of communications experience, I have been recognized as one of Arkansas’ 250 most influential leaders, as well as an Emerging Young Alumni from Arkansas State University.
In 2021, I was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Division of Higher Education Coordinating Board where I now serve as chair. I am a director for Arkansas Good Roads, Black River Technical College and the North Delta Community foundations. I am a co-founder of the Arkansas Pie Festival and am passionate about art, entrepreneurialism and creating access to quality education for all Arkansans.
Lives in: Pocahontas • Works in: Northeast Arkansas
Lesson Learned the Hard Way: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t underestimate the value of emotions. Just because it’s the logical choice or the right thing to do doesn’t mean it will work.
Proudest Moment of Impact: Cutting the ribbon on Emerson Professional Tools in Ash Flat in July 2022. The NEA Intermodal worked with state and regional partners to recruit Emerson back to Arkansas for nearly a year during COVID-19. Not only did they revitalize the building, Emerson brought 286 jobs to the rural community along with a new sense of economic stability. To see Emerson leadership and Gov. Hutchinson embrace employees on the plant floor was truly special.
What Keeps Me Motivated: My community. There is no shortage of projects, from infrastructure to education, when working with rural communities. However, there is also a sense of pride, collaboration and partnership that is truly unique. Working in small towns requires being creative with limited resources, but the impact felt is often greater.
TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Initiative