Who We Are

Tarshawn Whitehead has lived in Russellville for 12 years and is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelors Degree in Health & Physical Education Wellness. Tarshawn is from Fort Smith and graduated from Southside High School. He is married to his wife Mackenzie, who currently works as a 6th grade science teacher at Russellville Middle School. She also is the Middle School Track & Field Assistant Coach, as well as the High School Volleyball Assistant Coach. Tarshawn started his career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley four years ago as the Dardanelle Unit Director. Currently, Tarshawn is the Prevention Specialist for Community Service, Inc for Pope & Yell County. Tarshawn volunteers with Special Olympics as a coach and recently went to Orlando as a unified partner in the 2022 USA games. He is a member of the River Valley Progressive Mens Club and River Valley Collective Voices. In his free time he loves to fish, sing, and spend time with his wife. A fun fact about Tarshawn is that he has a twin sister and they were both born in Bremerhaven, Germany. 

Josh Stroud is a member of the Board of Directors for Main Street Russellville. 

Susan E. West holds two degrees, a Master of Arts from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science from Stephen F Austin State University. After leaving the private sector of Hotel Management, she is currently an Associate Professor of Agriculture and Tourism at Arkansas Tech University and the Director of Recruitment and Retention for the College of Business and Economic Development. She teaches several tourism courses related to lodging, event management and internships. She has been a state judge for ProStart since 2005 and was former Director of Culinary and Hospitality at North West Arkansas Community College. She is a Certified HospitalityEducator (CHE) through American Hotel and Lodging Association. She is also a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) from Southeast Tourism Society and also serves on their Board of Directors. Susan resides in Russellville with her husband Howard of 33 years. Together they have a 29 year-old daughter, a 33-year-old son, and two delightful grandsons.

Robert was born in Russellville, and lived here through high school and college.  After graduation from Arkansas Tech, Robert worked for an international travel company in St. Louis, planning deluxe travel programs around the world. After 15 years, he returned to the River Valley, and opened Quiznos Sub in the City Mall.  He operated the sandwich shop for almost 20 years, then sold the business in 2021.  He then jumped back into the real estate industry, and took over management of his family’s rental properties, including the 500 Building.

Clay Anderson is a member of the Board of Directors for Main Street Russellville. Clay served as Board President in 2021.

Elizabeth is a member of the Board of Directors for Main Street Russellville. 

Ryan Cutler has lived in Russellville since 1991 and is a graduate of both RHS and ATU. His wife and him have two girls, Laiken and Macy. Melissa previously taught in the school district but now runs an online boutique. Ryan started his banking career in 2005 and is currently employed at First State Bank as the Vice President Retail Manager. They are very involved at First Baptist Church where he is an active deacon, member of the choir/worship team, a youth mentor, and a life group leader. He has served as a member of the quality of place committee with the chamber of commerce, and served six years as a board member/past president for United Way.

Kent is from Russellville, AR and has spent most of his life in the River Valley.  He graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2005 with a Bachelors in Science in Accounting & Economics/Finance.  Kent is a committed member of the First Baptist Church in Russellville. He runs a software company in Downtown Russellville called The Redpointe Group that was established in 2016. It is a full-service custom software company that builds both mobile and desktop applications. Kent is a proud parent of his son Judah and a devoted husband to his wife, Abbie McCoy.

Rachel Storment-Jones was born and raised in Russellville, AR. She is a graduate of
Russellville High School (2005), a first-generation college student, and an alumni at
Arkansas Tech University graduating with her Bachelor’s in Communications in 2009 and with her graduate degree in 2014. She has worked in marketing and public relations in the River Valley since 2012 as well as for Arkansas Tech University as an Undergraduate Admissions Recruiter, Upward Bound “Next Step” Instructor, and for the College to Career Center. She worked for Arkansas Nuclear One and Russellville School District before accepting the Marketing and Community Relations Manager position at Saint Mary’s Regional Health System in April of 2022. Rachel’s love for downtown Russellville began with her first job at C & D Drugstore while in high school, where she met influential community leaders and her love for downtown has only grown throughout the years. She is an associate member of Junior Auxiliary of Russellville and member of New Life Church. She lives with her husband Caleb and their son Mason who attends Russellville School District. Caleb has worked for Arkansas Nuclear One since 2012 and co-owns SeeLite, an outdoor and sporting goods company.

Emily Young is the City Council Liaison to Main Street Russellville. 

Danielle is best described as a servant leader. She is happiest when contributing to the community. An Associate Member of Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, and current board member of the River Valley Adult Learning Alliance, Danielle has spent hours working with children and leaders to benefit our community. She was inspired to become a leader downtown after working at Dog Ear Books on West Main Street. “I love the community and the culture we have in the Russellville Downtown. I really want to continue to build the downtown district.” When not working, Danielle can be found reading, writing, knitting, or watching Harry Potter movies with her two daughters and husband.

After graduating from high school in the Arkansas Delta, Sidney moved to Russellville and studied business at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. Her passion for the community is evident and actively shines through in her dedication to our organization. Aside from her love for the people in Russellville, Sidney owns a small business, Treat Street Pet Bakery, making healthy, all-natural pet treats for furry friends in the River Valley.