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LEAD STRONG  |  Guest Speakers (past and present)

This page will host a running list of our speakers and their bios.

Spring 2012 Speakers:

Archie Mason
Central Baptist Church - Senior Pastor

Dr. Mason was born on March 16, 1965. On June 10, 1988, he married his wife, Angie, and they have two sons, Tyler and Taylor. His wife, Angie, is a first grade teacher at Valley View Elementary. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business, a Masters of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Before being called to ministry, Archie was President of Professional Agricultural Services Inc. and Vice-President of Farm Financial Services Inc. in Wynne, Arkansas. Archie is an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoys being in the outdoors, and has a passion to reach the world for Christ. Pastor Archie came to Central Baptist Church as Senior Pastor in February 2005. He is currently serving as the Vice-President of the 2012 SBC Pastors Conference to be held June 17-18 at the New Orleans Superdome.

Kristina Hamilton
KAIT News Anchor

Kristina Hamilton is thrilled to wake up with Region 8 viewers every morning of the week! Although, you'll always find her upbeat she's not afraid to go after the harder stories. Kristina is the winner of several AP awards including Best Investigative Reporting for her four part series "Hook or Crook."

When Kristina isn't working on her latest story you'll find her teaching yoga. Another one of her passions is helping people live healthy lives. While in Jonesboro she also did her first triathlon.

Kristina hails to Northeast Arkansas from Florida where she spent a year as the web anchor with the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach. Most recently she worked as the weekend anchor for the NBC affiliate in Panama City Beach.

She also recently married a captain in the Army who is involved in special operations. She is very proud of her new husband and looks forward to when their careers will allow them to live in the same city!

Thomas Castilaw
Former ASU football player

Visit this website for a complete bio

Tara Fullington
Co-Owner of Chick-fil-A at Turtle Creek Mall

Tara Fullington, a Christian, is the wife of Mike, and mother of Patrick, Katherine, Stephen, Kimberly, John and Jennifer.  Though being a wife and mother is her top priority, the Lord has blessed Tara and her husband with the ownership of Chick-fil-A at Turtle Creek.  Tara heads their marketing program which has resulted in the restaurant being in the top of the growth rankings for 2 out of 3 years.  Tara and Mike see the restaurant as a ministry in which they serve not just their guests, but their team members and the community of Jonesboro.  

After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Tara worked in the International Marketing department at Tyson foods where her commercials won the American Advertising Federation Award, called the Addy, for best tv campaign.  

Tara believes that every message you convey must reflect well on the One you serve, and must serve to draw others to Him.

Michael Yates
City of Jonesboro Police Chief

EXPERIENCE:
1987     Deputy Sheriff - Henry County Georgia Sheriff’s Department
1989     Police Officer - City of Atlanta Police Department
1991     Detective - Henry County Georgia Police Department
            Sergeant - Traffic
            Sergeant - K-9 / Highway Drug Interdiction
            Lieutenant - Interstate Drug Interdiction/SWAT/Narcotics
            Captain - Special Operations Division
            Captain - Administration
            (Crime Analysis, Budgeting, Personnel, Research)
2000     Chief of Police - Bibb County Public School Sys, Macon, Ga.
2001     Chief of Police - Americus, Georgia
2004     Executive Director - Middle Flint Regional E-911 
            (1st 7 County 911 System in Georgia)            
2005     Chief of Police - Jonesboro, Arkansas

EDUCATION:
  • BS Criminal Justice - West Georgia College
  • MPA Justice Administration - Columbus State University

TRAINING:
  • 2000+ hours Advanced Law Enforcement Training
  • Georgia Chief’s of Police Command College Class II Graduate 
  • (2 year course of training)
  • FBI NA 199th
  • Arkansas Leader Executive Development

TEACHES:
  • High Risk Operations
  • Organizational Change and Leadership
  • Drug Interdiction
  • Search and Seizure

Fall 2011 Speakers:

John Lawrence
Pastor of Calvary Chapel Jonesboro

- Author of "Discipleship Series," an 18 month series of 10 week Bible studies covering all aspects Christian life and scripture. 
- Received his Masters of Divinity at Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary.
- He and his wife, Sherie, have raised and discipled six wonderful children: Josiah, Elisha, Anna-Marie, Charity, Naomi, and Abbie.

Keith Henick
Quality Assurance Manager, Riceland Foods

Keith has been married to Karon for 33 years and they have 2 sons: Chris, 32 and Nick, 30. He was an ATO at Arkansas State University before he graduated in '77 with a BS in Business Administration.  He has worked for 34 years with Riceland Foods and is currently their Quality Assurance Manager.  He serves on the Executive Board of the Board of Directors for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.  He also teaches adult Sunday School at Calvary Chapel.  He is currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas seeking a MS degree in Food Safety.

Russ Porter
Campus Outreach ASU Director

Russ Porter grew up outside of Memphis and attended college at Arkansas State University.  During his time at ASU he met his wife, Elizabeth, and completed his Bachelor's degree in Finance.  He is now on staff with Campus Outreach serving as Campus Director of ASU where he interacts with students daily encouraging and leading them towards personal development and spiritual growth.  He enjoys working hands-on with leaders on the college campus because he understands that leaders will impact future generations.
LeadStrong is a philanthropy organized by the men of Alpha Tau Omega to help develop and mentor leaders at Arkansas State University, while raising money for the Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Foundation.