Marie Holder
Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Transportation
About me: I was appointed to the Arkansas Highway Commission, Women’s Commission and State Medical Board by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. I have served as finance director for Asa for Governor, AsaPAC, executive director of the RPA under Chairman Win Rockefeller and on Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ inaugural committee.
I enjoy the 20th Century Club, WTS Arkansas, Ole Miss Alumni, Girl Scouts, Delta Gamma Sorority Alumni and Daughters of the American Revolution. I am an ordained elder at Second Presbyterian Church.
My husband Ryan and our two daughters have lived in Little Rock for over 20 years. I love the energy and pace of public service, volunteering on campaigns and putting together large philanthropic events. That’s where I have made my best friends and seen the best of Arkansas.
Lives/Works in: Little Rock
Best Career Advice: Be good to people. You will likely end up working with them again, and they’ll remember how you treated them.
Lesson Learned the Hard Way: You can’t beat yourself up over every word or action. You make the best decision with the information you have in the moment and hope people appreciate your good intentions.
Proudest Moment of Impact: I take pride in seeing Arkansans going about their daily lives without harm. I am fortunate to have been allowed to help protect vulnerable patients, bring attention to women’s issues and serve as a steward of our highway system.
Call to Action: Many people believe that they are great drivers and the one person who can take a quick look at their phone. We have to get serious about taking real responsibility for the safety of ourselves and our fellow travelers. Slow down, phone down.
What Keeps Me Motivated: I want my daughters to be proud of my service to our family, church and community.
TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Initiative