The city of Fayetteville is going through some big changes. Alongside the recent appointment of Mayor Molly Rawn, the city’s first new mayor-elect in 16 years, Fayetteville has shown consistent economic growth as new small businesses continue to call the city home. This thriving business economy in Fayetteville is aided in part by the city’s Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to enriching the business community through relationship building, networking opportunities and leadership training. Amidst 131 years of operation, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce has continuously evolved – and now, the organization is in its next phase of development.
In November 2024, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce announced a new president and chief executive officer: Jennifer Irwin. Irwin, a University of Arkansas graduate, experienced an expansive career before pursuing her latest leadership role. After almost two decades in radio, serving at KNWA and as a morning show co-host for Magic 107.9, Irwin eventually integrated onto the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce leadership team in 2011. By 2013, Irwin was working full-time as the director of leadership for the Chamber’s leadership programs. When the former Chamber CEO announced his retirement, Irwin didn’t expect to submit her name for consideration – but when she learned there were no women vying for the role, she had a change of heart.
“Someone made the comment, ‘it’s really sort of sad that we haven’t had any women apply for the role,’ and I agreed. So, I started thinking about it and, I woke up one morning and went, ‘why wouldn’t I apply for this job?’ I am so thankful that I got the job, and I can’t imagine anyone else being at this job,” Irwin said.
Irwin’s decision to run for the coveted position was historical for the region: in 2024, Irwin became the first female president and CEO of a chamber in Northwest Arkansas.
With Irwin’s promotion to president and CEO, her former slot as director of leadership for the Chamber called for a successor – and Lauren Shinall, a former educator, answered the call.
“I’m really excited to step into this role. Leadership development has always been important to me, and getting to serve and invest in our community in this way is incredibly meaningful,” Sinall said.
In this role, Shinall leads programming for Leadership Fayetteville, a program designed to inform and educate community leaders of diverse backgrounds and industries with Fayetteville’s business climate and community through relationship building. The Leadership Fayetteville program works closely with the Fayetteville Chamber with the aligned mission of moving Fayetteville forward.
Shortly after Irwin’s appointment, the Chamber announced a total rebrand for the organization, which included an updated logo, website, slogan and online database. Additionally, as part of the rebrand, the Chamber’s headquarters are relocating to College Avenue to promote accessibility.
“The rebrand was really important for us to do, for us to say, ‘This is a new day at the Chamber.’ While we still have the same values and beliefs, we really want to move forward and show that we are moving forward. We’re trying to make everything fresher, bigger, better and more efficient,” Irwin said.
Alongside an optical refresh, the Chamber’s rebrand emphasized building stronger relationships with businesses and leaders within the community for a “new sense of purpose,” according to Irwin.
“It felt necessary to say, “‘It’s a new day at the Fayetteville Chamber, and it’s a new day in Fayetteville,’” Irwin added.
Irwin’s appointment and rebrand of the Chamber shortly followed the historic election of Mayor Rawn in January 2025, and Irwin has worked to cement a thriving partnership with the city’s leader. Under their strategic partnership, the Chamber earned back an economic development contract the organization had previously lost in 2022. This contract further empowers the Chamber to collaborate with the city to usher in and promote new businesses through technical assistance and retention and programming opportunities.
“It’s been an amazing partnership with Mayor Rawn, and it's been great that we were able to come into this around the same time and start fresh working together,” Irwin said.
The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will continue its evolution streak into 2026 with a schedule of events, including its Women of All Generations conference, as well as its dedication to supporting new businesses as they move to the city. Keep up with the Chamber’s happenings on Instagram at @chamber_fayetteville, on Facebook at FayettevilleChamber or online at fayettevillear.com.