LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that she will appoint Scott Ford to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. 

Ford will replace Morril Harriman and his term will expire on March 1, 2034. 

“I am proud to appoint Scott Ford, a highly respected, accomplished entrepreneur, to serve on the Board of Trustees at the University of Arkansas,” Sanders said. “From Rwanda all the way to Conway, Arkansas, he has helped attract businesses, jobs, and opportunities. I am confident that his strong leadership, character, and experience will make him an invaluable member of the Board of Trustees.”

“It is a great honor and privilege to be appointed by Governor Sanders to serve on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees,” Ford said. “Governor Sanders puts the people of her state first, empowering all Arkansans to get off the sidelines and into the workforce. She is taking Arkansas to the top. I look forward to working with the Board and the administration as we prepare the next generation of leaders to take our state to the next level.”

Scott Ford Bio: 
Scott Ford is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Westrock Coffee. In 2013, he founded Westrock Group which serves as the Ford’s family office. Prior to forming the Westrock family of companies, Mr. Ford served in a number of leadership roles, including President and Chief Executive Officer of Alltel Corporation from 2002 to 2009. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Ford served as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Alltel, he worked closely with Jackson T. Stephens, the Chairman of Stephens Group, Inc., and he worked in the Investment Banking Division at Merrill Lynch.

Ford serves as a Special Advisor to Stephens Group where he brings extensive C-Suite experience in managing and operating both private and public companies, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with a business undergoing accelerated growth initiatives.

Ford currently serves on the Board of Directors of AT&T, Inc. and Agaciro Development Fund, the sovereign wealth fund for the Republic of Rwanda. He has served on the Board of Directors of Tyson Foods and served as the Chairman of the Little Rock Branch of the St. Louis Federal Reserve. He also served as Chairman of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. Mr. Ford holds a B.S.B.A in Finance from the University of Arkansas.