ABMA

Frank Bateman has served as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Black Mayors Association since 2022, bringing a lifetime of dedication to public service and community development across the state. His relationship with ABMA began long before his appointment, serving as a volunteer starting in 2007 through 2014 while working as Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, and continuing his support through his tenure with Communities Unlimited from 2018 to 2022. Mr. Bateman was instrumental in ABMA, receiving the opportunity to facilitate the Watershed Project.

Mr. Bateman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Paul Quinn College. His commitment to Arkansas is reflected in more than 30 years of community service spanning numerous organizations, committees, and boards, including five years with the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, the creation of the Arkansas Black History Quiz Bowl, and service as a mentor with the Word of Outreach mentoring program.

A native of Fort Smith, Mr. Bateman and his wife Cynthia share their home with their beloved 8-year-old dog, Olive. He has a passion for basketball that is only rivaled by his commitment to better serve the state of Arkansas in every capacity possible. That commitment is evident from his work with the youth. He is an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he serves as a Sunday School teacher. When he is not serving the state of Arkansas, you can find him on the basketball court.

Kevin Hunt Sr. is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and a dedicated public servant with more than 20 years of experience advancing community development initiatives across the state. He currently serves as ABMA’s Program Manager for the USDA Watershed Grant, leading efforts to strengthen local infrastructure, foster regional partnerships, and expand opportunities for underserved communities.

Kevin earned his Bachelor of Business degree with honors in 2006 and later completed a Master’s degree from Webster University in December 2015. His career includes key roles within the Governor’s Office and the Clinton School of Public Service, where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing Arkansas communities and the collaborative strategies needed to create lasting solutions.

Known for his ability to build strong partnerships across government, nonprofit, and community organizations, Kevin has cultivated relationships that have helped remove barriers, secure resources, and advance meaningful projects. His commitment to public service, strategic collaboration, and community empowerment continues to drive his work in creating better outcomes for communities throughout Arkansas.

Veronica Smith-Creer brings a wealth of firsthand leadership experience to her role as Executive Administrator of the Arkansas Black Mayors Association. She previously served as Mayor of the City of El Dorado from January 2019 to December 2022, making history as the first woman and first African American ever elected to that position. Her time in office brought her into the ABMA network, and she has remained a dedicated part of the organization ever since.

Mrs. Creer has been married to Bobby D. Creer, Sr., for 30 years. Together they have three children, Bobby Jr., Jeremy Ryan, and VaShaylia Brianne and she is the proud grandmother of Jhavon Isaiah and Skylar Brielle Creer.

A published author and sought-after speaker, Mrs. Creer created the M.A.Y.O.R. Sunshine platform, an acronym for Making Achievements Yielding Outstanding Results originally developed as a city persona and now the foundation for her books, My Mimi is the Mayor and The Things My Grandmother Used to Say: Lessons Learned from Words of Wisdom. Her books and speaking engagements can be found at mayor-sunshine.com.

Jacqlyn Pruiett serves as Finance Manager for the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, where she oversees budgeting, grant accounting, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and audit support across multiple funding sources. She brings more than 20 years of government and operational experience to the role. Prior to joining ABMA, Jacqlyn held several leadership positions at the Arkansas Department of Health, including Public Health Section Chief Budget Manager, Budget Manager, Budget Analyst, and Procurement Manager. She also served with the Office of Child Support, where she developed deep expertise in public-sector financial management and administration.

Throughout her career, Jacqlyn has supervised administrative, grants, and budget staff while leading cross-functional teams responsible for financial administration, grant compliance, budgeting, procurement, internal controls, reporting, and audit support. She has also contributed to policy development and operational improvements across state financial systems. Jacqlyn is widely recognized for her expertise in governmental and nonprofit accounting, grant administration, and process improvement, with a proven record of strengthening internal controls and supporting successful audits.

Leanna Clark serves as the Accounts Payable Manager for the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, bringing more than 14 years of experience in project management, grant administration, executive leadership support, financial management, and nonprofit operations.

Leanna holds a Master of Business Administration, a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Project Management, and an Associate degree in Healthcare Administration. This diverse educational foundation gives her a unique blend of expertise across business operations, financial stewardship, healthcare systems, and organizational leadership.

Throughout her career, Leanna has successfully managed grants, contracts, budgets, and complex projects supporting government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare initiatives, and community development programs. Her experience spans grant compliance, audit preparation, financial reporting, contract administration, executive administration, and process improvement.

Known for her strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to accountability, Leanna works closely with organizational leaders and stakeholders to strengthen financial controls, improve operational efficiency, and ensure responsible management of public and private funding resources. She is deeply passionate about advancing initiatives that improve communities, support economic development, and create sustainable opportunities throughout Arkansas.

Andreia Williams serves as the Accounts Receivable Manager for the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, bringing a detail-oriented and results-driven approach to managing the organization’s billing, collections, and customer account functions. At ABMA, she is responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing of invoices and implementing efficient accounts receivable processes that support the organization’s overall financial health and operational integrity.

Jalen Black serves as Outreach Coordinator for the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, where he builds meaningful relationships with community leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to support initiatives that strengthen municipalities and promote economic and community development across Arkansas. He is passionate about public service, strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact in local communities.

Jalen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. This distinctive combination of analytical thinking, scientific understanding, and financial expertise informs his approach to problem-solving, project coordination, and organizational growth.

Outside of his professional work, Jalen enjoys traveling, reading, fitness, networking, mentoring young professionals, and exploring new restaurants and cultures. He is committed to lifelong learning, leadership development, and making a meaningful difference through service and collaboration.