Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker began her tenure as director of Leadership Texarkana in July, joining the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her appointment coincides with a new chapter for Leadership Texarkana under the Chamber’s foundation, aimed at strengthening the greater Texarkana region through expanded leadership development and community engagement.
Extensive background in education and nonprofit work
Walker arrives with more than two decades of experience spanning K‑12 education, higher‑education administration, workforce development and nonprofit leadership. She earned a Doctor of Education in education leadership and a Master of Education in education administration from Texas A&M University‑Texarkana, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of North Texas.
Her professional record includes executive roles with Literacy Texas and the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties, where she oversaw organizational development, fundraising, grant writing, fiscal management and community partnerships. Walker has also served as an adjunct instructor at Texas A&M University‑Texarkana, teaching courses in leadership and education.
Recognition and awards
Walker’s contributions have been recognized at local, state and regional levels. In 2025 she was selected as one of 90 statewide leaders for Leadership Texas. She represented Texas in the Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship in 2024, was named the 2023 Arkansas Literacy Council Director of the Year, and earned the 2023 EdD Student of the Year award from Texas A&M University‑Texarkana’s education leadership faculty.
Vision for Leadership Texarkana
“Leadership Texarkana has always been about recognizing the potential within our community and giving people the tools, relationships, and opportunities to turn that potential into meaningful action,” Walker said. “I am excited to join the Chamber team and continue building Leadership Texarkana’s presence in our community. This partnership creates an incredible opportunity to connect leadership development even more closely with the businesses, organizations, and people shaping the future of our region.”
As director, Walker will oversee leadership programming, alumni engagement, professional development, community partnerships and continued growth, while preserving the organization’s historic mission. Chamber President and CEO Robin Hickerson added, “Leadership Texarkana has a tremendous legacy in our region, and we are committed to honoring that history while looking toward what comes next. Adding Jenny to our team gives us an opportunity to strengthen the connection between leadership development, business, workforce and community advancement across the Texarkana region.”
The appointment signals a continued focus on cultivating local leaders who can address workforce needs, support education initiatives and foster economic vitality throughout Texarkana and the surrounding counties.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
