Jeff Walker

Jeff has been diagnosed with HIV since 2011 and made the decision soon after to be out regarding his status as a way to bring a positive message to others about what it means to live with HIV in a world where HIV stigma often still prevails.  He is grateful to Danny Harris, a prominent HIV advocate in the state of Arkansas, for his mentorship and support over the years.   With his guidance, Jeff assisted in building thriving HIV support groups, planned/facilitated World AIDS Day events, and assisted in building partnerships with community organizations/medical providers to meet unmet needs for people living with HIV in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley/Fort Smith region.  

Jeff’s career in HIV services began with the ARcare Positive Connections HIV Program as a non-medical case manager in Northwest Arkansas, then as a district supervisor for the second largest Ryan White service district in Arkansas, and then as a Program Coordinator and Outreach Director.  In this role, he worked predominantly in the areas of early intervention, outreach, and HIV prevention through ARcare’s Ryan White Part C and D grant programs and an HIV prevention grant program administered through the Arkansas Department of Health.

In 2019, Jeff received recognition as a "Distinguished Community Connector" for his work in helping build ARcare’s Positive Empowerment Program (a support program for people living with HIV) in the Fort Smith community.  That same year, Jeff presented a training session for case managers on "Creative Community Outreach" that was well-received by his peers.  He has also participated on panel discussions representing the interests of people with HIV and the LGBTQ community.  Jeff’s history of service includes various roles with Arkansas HIV Planning Group, Engaging Arkansas Communities, Center on the Square Community Theater (Searcy, AR), 7hill Homeless Center (Fayetteville, AR), NWA Men’s Chorus (Fayetteville, AR), Men’s Chorus of the Ozarks (Springfield, MO), Springfield Regional Arts Council (Springfield, MO), and The GLO Center (LGBTQ Community Center in Springfield, MO).  

Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and his MBA from Webster University.  Before working in HIV, Jeff served as a member of the administrative team for a homeless service agency in Northwest Arkansas.  Prior to this, he enjoyed a successful career in design for nearly 10 years.  His two areas of focus remain HIV and diversity in the arts.  In 2011 and 2017, Jeff helped found and operate arts-based, non-profit organizations in Springfield, Missouri and Fayetteville, Arkansas.  

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• "Finding My Voice: My Journey Living With HIV"
• Sexual Health and HIV Prevention

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