Staff
Advisory Council
Staff
Our staff are at the heart of what we do. Our diversity in life experience continue to fuel EPIC work in communities across the state. Click to read about our administrative, outreach, prevention, and media teams.
Board
Advisory Council
Staff
We've got a diverse board of leaders who work together to safeguard our mission, set a clear vision, and ensure a sustainable future for EAC. Click to read more about our board members and activities.
Advisory Council
Advisory Council
Advisory Council
The active voices of peers in the communities we serve is how we know what we are doing is working, and it helps us achieve so much more than we could on our own. Click to read more about our Advisory Council.
Administrative Team
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
He/Him
Danny is a dedicated HIV advocate with over 12 years of experience in the HIV field, including outreach, prevention, linkage to care, and peer empowerment. He has been recognized for numerous roles, including POZ Magazine's "The POZ 100" list in 2016 and 2018
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
He/Him
Danny is a dedicated HIV advocate with over 12 years of experience in the HIV field, including outreach, prevention, linkage to care, and peer empowerment. He has been recognized for numerous roles, including POZ Magazine's "The POZ 100" list in 2016 and 2018 for peer HIV work in the South and by those over 50 years old. Harris is Co-Chair for the Arkansas HIV Planning Group (HPG), an Advisory Board member for Southern AIDS Coalition, and a member of the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Coalition.
KEANDRE' ARNOLD
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
He/Him
KeAndre' is a committed patient advocate, public speaker, and community leader. KeAndre' is the director of EAC's statewide transportation assistance program and manages our outreach team and testing events. He has provided talks on topics including HIV
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
He/Him
KeAndre' is a committed patient advocate, public speaker, and community leader. KeAndre' is the director of EAC's statewide transportation assistance program and manages our outreach team and testing events. He has provided talks on topics including HIV in the Black Community and HIV Drug Assistance Options in Arkansas. Past professional experience includes roles with St. Louis Effort for AIDS, Special Health Resources for Texas (SHRT), SWA-NET HIV Coalition, Arkansas HIV Planning Group (HPG), and ARcare.
DENISSE ALANIS
ERIC DANNY HARRIS
DENISSE ALANIS
FINANCE DIRECTOR
She/They
Denisse has a background in advocacy due to their work in providing direct supportive services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence both in Arkansas and California. Their interests include queer & trans Latinx/Chicanx movement building and increasing access
FINANCE DIRECTOR
She/They
Denisse has a background in advocacy due to their work in providing direct supportive services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence both in Arkansas and California. Their interests include queer & trans Latinx/Chicanx movement building and increasing accessibility to trauma-informed health services for southern QTPOC communities. They received their B.A. in Religion and Social Justice from Agnes Scott College. Denisse is currently pursuing their M.A. in Community Engaged Education and Social Change from Claremont College and is a Certified Non-Profit Accounting Professional.
JEFF M. WALKER
JEFF M. WALKER
DENISSE ALANIS
GRANTS AND
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
He/Him
Jeff is a community advocate with a genuine passion to serve those living with HIV. Among the many hats worn by Jeff is a passion and love for grant-writing and online communications. His past service and leadership roles include ARcare Positive Conne
GRANTS AND
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
He/Him
Jeff is a community advocate with a genuine passion to serve those living with HIV. Among the many hats worn by Jeff is a passion and love for grant-writing and online communications. His past service and leadership roles include ARcare Positive Connections, Arkansas HIV Planning Group (HPG), 7hills Homeless Center, Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (GLO), Center on the Square Community Theater, and arts-based nonprofit organizations in Arkansas and Missouri including the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
BOBBY PIERCE
JEFF M. WALKER
BOBBY PIERCE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR & HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
He/Him
Bobby is dedicated to making comprehensive healthcare and supportive services accessible to everyone who needs it. He is excited about the opportunity to engage Arkansas communities in HIV/STI prevention and education. B
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR & HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
He/Him
Bobby is dedicated to making comprehensive healthcare and supportive services accessible to everyone who needs it. He is excited about the opportunity to engage Arkansas communities in HIV/STI prevention and education. Bobby has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and has worked in Human Resources for over 20 years. He is a member of numerous health coalitions and advocacy groups, including the National HIV & Aging Advocacy Network and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Special Health Resources.
HIV & Hep C Outreach
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
They/Them
kodeejane@engagingarkansas.org
Kodee is a vibrant and visible advocate for intersectional collective liberation. Kodee is a Southern Queer Trans masculine Person living with HIV. They have been involved in community organizing in Arkansas since 2015. Kodee is a t
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
They/Them
kodeejane@engagingarkansas.org
Kodee is a vibrant and visible advocate for intersectional collective liberation. Kodee is a Southern Queer Trans masculine Person living with HIV. They have been involved in community organizing in Arkansas since 2015. Kodee is a transport driver for EAC's Positive Miles Program and presently attends graduate school, studying Public Administration. Kodee is currently a fellow for The SERO Project Justice Institute. They are part of the Pozitively Trans cohort housed under The Transgender Law Center. Kodee is a cat dad, avid reader, nature lover, artist, and possesses an adventurous, curious outlook about life, liberty, and health. Kodee has a strong desire to deconstruct stigmas related to sexual wellness that impact quality of life for everyone!
DRE BENNETT
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
He/Him
Dre is a community advocate that wants everyone to feel comfortable in knowing that it is okay to get tested. He wants to be a part of making the difference between the percentage of people that knows their status vs. doesn't and he wants others to know th
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
He/Him
Dre is a community advocate that wants everyone to feel comfortable in knowing that it is okay to get tested. He wants to be a part of making the difference between the percentage of people that knows their status vs. doesn't and he wants others to know that being in the KNOW is not a NO, but it's an absolute yes!
Dre has volunteered with several organizations in the past including ARCW (AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin) and the LGBTQ Community Center of Milwaukee. In his free time, Dre enjoys singing, writing music, traveling, shopping, fine dining, and enjoying the company of family and loved ones.
Dre says he is grateful to be in a position that can both save and uplift his community.
JUSTIN WASHINGTON
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
JUSTIN WASHINGTON
OUTREACH SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
He/Him
Justin is the face behind our online At-Home HIV Testing program and Condom Club, as well as our statewide online HIV resource directory, the Arkansas Resource Hub. He is HIV positive and committed to ending stigma by starting conversatio
OUTREACH SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
He/Him
Justin is the face behind our online At-Home HIV Testing program and Condom Club, as well as our statewide online HIV resource directory, the Arkansas Resource Hub. He is HIV positive and committed to ending stigma by starting conversations about HIV. Born in Hot Springs and having worked in various disciplines including management, education, and administration, he is an avid humanitarian who has a genuine passion for people. He is currently pursuing his BSN at UALR and in the future hopes to enroll in a Doctoral program.
AMY HERRERA
KODEE JANE STEPHENS
JUSTIN WASHINGTON
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/They
Amelia (Amy) is a passion-driven individual serving Northwest Arkansas and who strives to offer empathetic support to those living with HIV. She is an advocate for more inclusive, trauma-informed, and medically accurate sex education,
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/They
Amelia (Amy) is a passion-driven individual serving Northwest Arkansas and who strives to offer empathetic support to those living with HIV. She is an advocate for more inclusive, trauma-informed, and medically accurate sex education, especially in the Southern United States. Amelia aspires to be a sex educator and therapist to end the stigma around sex education.
She is also a recent graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Psychology, was an active member on campus, and hopes to add to the community-driven vision behind Engaging Arkansas Communities.
WHITLEY HOPKINS
WHITLEY HOPKINS
WHITLEY HOPKINS
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/Her
Whitley has worked in the mental health and substance abuse community for many years. Her biggest passion is ensuring people have their voice be heard and understood. To her, everything is about active service, meeting people where th
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/Her
Whitley has worked in the mental health and substance abuse community for many years. Her biggest passion is ensuring people have their voice be heard and understood. To her, everything is about active service, meeting people where they are, being kind, and making connections with others to help them understand they are not alone. Whitley is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, hoping one day to obtain her PsyD.
KIMBERLY NAIL
WHITLEY HOPKINS
WHITLEY HOPKINS
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
She/Her
Kimberly is passionate about communicating the importance of HIV testing and representing the unique needs of women living with HIV in Arkansas. Her current HIV nonprofit service includes roles on the Arkansas HIV Planning Group (H
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
She/Her
Kimberly is passionate about communicating the importance of HIV testing and representing the unique needs of women living with HIV in Arkansas. Her current HIV nonprofit service includes roles on the Arkansas HIV Planning Group (HPG), Arkansas Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Treat and Prevent Subcommittee and the ARcare Positive Connections Consumer Advisory Network.
DEE PIERCE
WHITLEY HOPKINS
DEE PIERCE
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/Her
DeAundra (Dee) is located in Texarkana and serves the southwest region as a Community Health Worker and driver to support the Positive Miles program.
Dee is an outspoken and self-driven advocate, bringing life and cheer to any space as an opportuni
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
She/Her
DeAundra (Dee) is located in Texarkana and serves the southwest region as a Community Health Worker and driver to support the Positive Miles program.
Dee is an outspoken and self-driven advocate, bringing life and cheer to any space as an opportunity to connect with the Southwest Arkansas community in a meaningful way.
ASH HUNTER
WHITLEY HOPKINS
DEE PIERCE
FIELD SERVICE SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
They/Them
Ash is currently a driver with the Positive Miles program and joined EAC because they wanted to join "a group of folks who truly seemed to stand by the work they were doing and come together to find solutions in an equitable way." They have over a deca
FIELD SERVICE SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
They/Them
Ash is currently a driver with the Positive Miles program and joined EAC because they wanted to join "a group of folks who truly seemed to stand by the work they were doing and come together to find solutions in an equitable way." They have over a decade of experience working in the non-profit sector, including with communities of unhoused individuals, organizing within LGBTQ+ communities, and organizing and rallying for reproductive justice. Ash is knowledgeable in trauma-informed care, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and CPR. They have a Bachelor of Arts degree from UA Little Rock with concentrations in Gender Studies, Criminal Justice, and Sociology and have been active in several community groups including Southerners on New Ground, Black Lives Matter Little Rock, Calm + Confidence, and Urban Patchwork.
. In their free time, Ash likes to travel, paint, and enjoys beekeeping.
STD Outreach
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
STD PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
STD COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
STD COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
STD COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
TB Outreach
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
TB PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
TB COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
TB COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
TB COMMUNITY SPECIALIST
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Coming soon!
Media Team
EDDIE WILEY
CASSANDRA FUNES
CASSANDRA FUNES
CONTRACT MEDIA SPECIALIST
EAC PODCAST HOST
He/Her/Queen
Eddie has worked for over 15 years across the Southern United States to combat HIV stigma and health disparities, particularly within communities of color. His skills and training centers around social media, on-air talent, health literacy, stigma reduction, cultur
CONTRACT MEDIA SPECIALIST
EAC PODCAST HOST
He/Her/Queen
Eddie has worked for over 15 years across the Southern United States to combat HIV stigma and health disparities, particularly within communities of color. His skills and training centers around social media, on-air talent, health literacy, stigma reduction, cultural humility, and trauma-informed approaches. As a presenter at local and national conferences, Eddie has been able to speak of his experiences as a person living with HIV in addition to an HIV service provider. Eddie has served in various roles including the Shelby County HIV Care and Prevention Planning Group, Shelby County Ending HIV Epidemic Initiative for the TN Department of Health in Memphis, and as the Principal Consultant for Maverick Consulting where he developed training curriculum, managed the HIV.gov social media channels, and facilitated the HIV/AIDS Bureau’s Community of Practice. Eddie received his Master's of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Memphis and a B.A. in English and Communications from Philander Smith College.
CASSANDRA FUNES
CASSANDRA FUNES
CASSANDRA FUNES
CONTRACT MEDIA SPECIALIST
LATINX PODCAST HOST
She/Her
Cassandra is a bilingual Outreach Specialist for ARcare Positive Connections serving the Latinx community in Arkansas with HIV education, testing, and Ryan White services. Engagement and outreach are her passion, and she is determined to provide a bridge between the g
CONTRACT MEDIA SPECIALIST
LATINX PODCAST HOST
She/Her
Cassandra is a bilingual Outreach Specialist for ARcare Positive Connections serving the Latinx community in Arkansas with HIV education, testing, and Ryan White services. Engagement and outreach are her passion, and she is determined to provide a bridge between the gaps of service in our communities such as health, wellness, education, and treatment. "These things are a human right not a privilege, and no one should be left behind. Access to basic needs and care should always be within reach."
Board of Directors
DR. EDDIE DRY
ROBERT H. GRIFFIN
MELONEY HARRIS
PRESIDENT
He/Him
Eddie is a strong advocate for young people coming from marginalized demographics. As an assistant professor of biology at Arkansas State University - Mountain Home, Eddie serves as co-advisor of the student organization, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and has organized monthly HIV nonprofit testing events on the ASUMH campus s
PRESIDENT
He/Him
Eddie is a strong advocate for young people coming from marginalized demographics. As an assistant professor of biology at Arkansas State University - Mountain Home, Eddie serves as co-advisor of the student organization, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and has organized monthly HIV nonprofit testing events on the ASUMH campus since 2015. He also is a leader at ASUMH in promoting events and programs that highlight the value of inclusion and diversity in higher education. Off campus, Eddie co-organized and became a charter member of the Ozark Diversity Coalition, a grass-roots group of individuals passionate about promoting diversity in our communities.
MELONEY HARRIS
ROBERT H. GRIFFIN
MELONEY HARRIS
VICE PRESIDENT
She/Her
Meloney is a true believer in second chances and is dedicated to assisting individuals access skills training, employment opportunities, and higher education. She provides mentorship to persons needing help navigating a better standard of living for themselves and their families. Knowing HIV is a lifechanging agent, s
VICE PRESIDENT
She/Her
Meloney is a true believer in second chances and is dedicated to assisting individuals access skills training, employment opportunities, and higher education. She provides mentorship to persons needing help navigating a better standard of living for themselves and their families. Knowing HIV is a lifechanging agent, she encourages those around her to use it as an opportunity for positive change to enrich their lives.
ROBERT H. GRIFFIN
ROBERT H. GRIFFIN
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
TREASURER
He/Him
Born and raised in Little Rock, Robert brings decades of business and tax preparation experience to the table. He was previously a District Manager with H & R Block prior to owning and operating 3 franchise locations in Arkansas. Robert believes whole-heartedly in the mission of EAC and continues to look for ways to give ba
TREASURER
He/Him
Born and raised in Little Rock, Robert brings decades of business and tax preparation experience to the table. He was previously a District Manager with H & R Block prior to owning and operating 3 franchise locations in Arkansas. Robert believes whole-heartedly in the mission of EAC and continues to look for ways to give back to communities in a state he knows and loves. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, traveling, and going out to eat. In fact, if you are looking for the best wings, cheese dip, or chicken livers in Arkansas, Robert can tell you where to go without hesitation!.
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
SECRETARY
He/Him
Andrew (Drew) is a Florida native with a background in healthcare. Throughout his career, he’s gained first-hand knowledge of how people with HIV and other STDs are often treated differently in health and community settings. Personal accounts of people likening HIV to “laying with the Devil” and nursing staff drawing straw
SECRETARY
He/Him
Andrew (Drew) is a Florida native with a background in healthcare. Throughout his career, he’s gained first-hand knowledge of how people with HIV and other STDs are often treated differently in health and community settings. Personal accounts of people likening HIV to “laying with the Devil” and nursing staff drawing straws to see who will care for the person living with HIV are all too real. It’s because of these types of experiences Drew became involved with organizations like EAC. Now, he advocates for others who face stigma, shame, blame, and discrimination in the very systems that are supposed be environments they should be able to look to for healing and support. He believes the biggest missed opportunity continues to be a lack of education—the ignorance, misunderstanding, or lack of knowledge for important concepts as powerful as the message of U=U.
.
LARRY HOUSTON
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
LARRY HOUSTON
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Larry was previously featured as an emerging leader in POZ Magazine's "The POZ 100: Celebrating Youth Power". His most recent roles have included CHIPP Project Director at ARcare Positive Connections and Research Assistant for a university project focused on HIV and substance use prevention for college students ages 18-24.
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Larry was previously featured as an emerging leader in POZ Magazine's "The POZ 100: Celebrating Youth Power". His most recent roles have included CHIPP Project Director at ARcare Positive Connections and Research Assistant for a university project focused on HIV and substance use prevention for college students ages 18-24. Larry's professional experience includes coordination, case management, and research-based roles with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Recovery Centers of Arkansas, Family Service Agency, and Arkansas AIDS Foundation. Throughout his career, Larry has worked with programs supported through a variety of partnerships and funding sources including Greater Than AIDS, SAMHSA, Ryan White, and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA).
ROBBIE GILL
ANDREW ("DREW") THOMAS
LARRY HOUSTON
DIRECTOR
She/Her
Robbie is an advocate for education and accessibility for those among disenfranchised and marginalized communities. She has served as a middle and high school educator in the past and is currently Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Career Services Coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pulaski Technical Colle
DIRECTOR
She/Her
Robbie is an advocate for education and accessibility for those among disenfranchised and marginalized communities. She has served as a middle and high school educator in the past and is currently Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Career Services Coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pulaski Technical College. She is dedicated to decreasing the rate of transmission of HIV in the state of Arkansas through extensive education, testing, and prevention.
BRIAN TYNES
ARLEE WALKER
ARLEE WALKER
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Brian is very passionate about HIV prevention and educating people about where they can find resources or medical support in communities where information is not widely available. He is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BA in Mass Communication with emphasis in Radio/TV/Film and is currently a Retai
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Brian is very passionate about HIV prevention and educating people about where they can find resources or medical support in communities where information is not widely available. He is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BA in Mass Communication with emphasis in Radio/TV/Film and is currently a Retail Store Manager at Belk. Brian has participated in community theatre and actively fundraised across the state for organizations serving the HIV community, especially affected individuals without insurance.
ARLEE WALKER
ARLEE WALKER
ARLEE WALKER
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Arlee is very passionate about spreading HIV awareness, particularly with youth ages 12-18. He wants to make a difference in the community by promoting critical services and showcasing powerful individuals to encourage self-growth, acceptance, and resilience while guiding others through their sexual health. Arlee has a Bach
DIRECTOR
He/Him
Arlee is very passionate about spreading HIV awareness, particularly with youth ages 12-18. He wants to make a difference in the community by promoting critical services and showcasing powerful individuals to encourage self-growth, acceptance, and resilience while guiding others through their sexual health. Arlee has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently a Paralegal with the Padgett Law Group in Little Rock.
About Our Board
EAC has an active Board of Directors to safeguard our mission, set a clear vision, and ensure sustainability of the organization. We are always in need of diverse leaders to serve on EAC’s Board of Directors.
Desired Qualifications:
- Professional experience and/or significant leadership accomplishments in healthcare, business, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector
- A commitment to and understanding of HIV and HIV prevention, preferably based on experience
- Diplomatic skills for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
- Personal qualities of compassion, integrity, and a passion for improving the lives of Arkansans
Special Skills:
- Finance and Banking
- Local Government
- Legal Services
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
Responsibilities:
A primary responsibility of serving on EAC’s Board of Directors is to participate in the development of policy and major decision-making at board meetings held monthly. Other key responsibilities are to be active on at least one committee of the board, and to ensure that the organization has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission, including fundraising.
The Advisory Council serves as a critical community champion of EAC. Members of the Advisory Council share their gifts in service to our mission by providing our organization with their professional expertise; their diverse knowledge of constituent perspectives; their connections to local/ national resources, colleagues, or peers; their philanthropic support or other forms of needed assistance. The Advisory Council has no governing function within the organization.
Reasons to Participate:
- You support us and want to stay connected, but you have limited time.
- You'd like to link EAC to important professional and technical expertise.
- You'd like to serve as an ambassador for the organization in the community.
- You'd like to assist in efforts to increase philanthropic support.
Expectations:
- Act in a significant way to support the organization’s mission
- Keep informed about plans, activities, and needs of the organization.
- Be a vocal promoter and supporter of EAC in your local community
- Allow us to publicize your name and participation on the Council
- Participate in special events and social gatherings