Employee Retirements
Outstanding Employees
Day of Giving
CONWAY CORP HONORS RETIREES
David Hillis, 24 years
Water Plant Operator David Hillis retired in February 2025 after dedicating more than 24 years of service to Conway Corp.
David started at Conway Corp in June 2000 as an operator apprentice in the water department and was promoted to plant operator in June 2003.
“David served Conway Corp for more than two decades,” Water Treatment Superintendent Daniel Lawrence said. “He made the drinking water of our city a priority through his commitment and care. His devotion and experience will be missed, but most of all, we will miss him as a friend.”
Robert McCray, 26 years
Lead Telecom Installer Technician Robert McCray retired in June 2025 after dedicating 26 years to Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Robert was hired in February 1999 as a cable installer trainee and was promoted to his most recent position in 2021.
“Robert has been a tremendous asset to everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” Telecom Installation Senior Foreman Jeff Meriweather said. “His work ethic and mentorship set the standard. He leaves behind a legacy of positivity, dedication and quiet leadership that will be missed.”
Diane Snyder, 24 years
Secretary Receptionist Diane Snyder retired in March 2025 after spending more than 24 years serving Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Diane joined the company in January 2001 and played a vital role in managing the service center and ensuring operations ran smoothly.
“The opportunity to work at Conway Corp has been life changing. You become a part of Conway’s history just by being here,” Diane said. “Conway Corp is a great place to work, but what makes it truly special is the people –they become family. I felt like the mom to everyone.”
Butch Beaty, 26 years
Water Meter Technician Butch Beaty retired in July 2025 after dedicating more than 26 years of service to Conway Corp.
Butch joined the company in June 1999 as a utility worker apprentice and was promoted to utility worker in 2002. He was promoted to senior utility worker in 2021 and again in 2022 to his most recent position.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who’s been not just a colleague, but a friend,” Water Systems Senior Foreman Frank Fason said. “Butch was known for his dedication and work ethic, and it’s been a pleasure working with him.”
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT EARNS BRONZE TELLY AWARD
The Conway Corp Video Production and Local Programming Department won a Bronze Telly Award in the Sports — General category for their outstanding coverage of Wampus Cat Football.
Video Production & Local Programming Manager
Jeff Matthews, Senior Production Coordinator
Wayne Bailey, Production Coordinators Ashtyn
Brown and Javan Massey were recognized along with part-time Channel 5 Sports Announcer Levi Gilbert and part-time Production Team Member Justin King.
The Telly Awards, founded in 1979, honor excellence in video and television across all screens and are judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies.
With thousands of entries from across the globe each year, the Telly is a prestigious recognition in the world of broadcast and digital media.
“Our production team puts their heart into every Wampus Cat Football broadcast,” Chief Marketing Officer Crystal Kemp said. “Winning a Telly Award is an incredible achievement and a reflection of their dedication to telling our community’s stories with professionalism and pride.”
Conway Corp’s studio production team consistently produces high-quality local content from live sports to community features designed to keep Conway residents informed and connected.
Conway residents can watch Wampus Cat Football and other local programming on ConwayCorpTV.
BOARD ELECTS BELL, HENDERSON
The Conway Corp Board of Directors recently elected Scotty Bell to serve a three-year term beginning April 2025 and Jon Ross Henderson to serve a seven-year term beginning May 2025.
Scotty, the chief operating officer at Virco Manufacturing, is a lifelong Conway resident. He has served on the Conway Development Commission, the Arkansas State Emergency Response Commission, the UCA Athletics Purple Circle Board of Directors, the United Way of Faulkner County Board of Directors and the Faulkner County Day School Board of Directors. He also served as an EMT on the Faulkner County Emergency Squad.
“It is an honor to serve alongside the capable management team and other board members at Conway Corporation,” Scotty said. “The opportunity to actively contribute to the organization’s mission to deliver high-quality service at reasonable rates to the residents of Conway is a responsibility that I take seriously, and I look forward to serving.”
Scotty replaces Reggie Rose, who resigned from the board earlier this year.
Jon Ross, recently named market president for First Security Bank, has spent nearly 15 years in Conway
ERIN BROWN RECOGNIZED AS TOP YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
Chief Financial Officer Erin Brown was named to the prestigious Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
This annual recognition honors outstanding young professionals across the state who are making significant impacts in their industry and community.
Erin joined Conway Corp in 2019 as a Power Supply Analyst. He served as Director of Power Supply before being named CFO in July 2023.
and has been actively involved in the UCA Foundation Board, the Deliver Hope Board of Directors, the Conway Christian School Board of Trustees and the Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Board. He is a graduate of both the Faulkner County Leadership Institute and Leadership Arkansas.
“Municipal ownership of utilities is important for several reasons, including lower costs for consumers, job creation and retention and having leadership that is accountable to the community,” Jon Ross said. “Conway Corp’s longstanding support of education and economic development is a key reason Conway is such a special place.”
The board elects one director annually to serve a seven-year term that must be approved by the City of Conway. Jon Ross replaces outgoing board member Jake Nabholz. Other board members are Kelley Erstine, Osmar Garcia, Denise Perry, Dr. Kateryna Pitchford and John Scherrey.
Erin has helped lead several major initiatives during his time with the company. Notably, he played a key role in securing a 20-year power purchase agreement from a 95-megawatt solar farm, helping further Conway Corp’s commitment to renewable energy and long-term cost stability for its customers.
Erin serves on the board of the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities, contributing to state and regional conversations about energy supply and public power.
“I’m extremely proud of Erin’s progression at Conway Corp and this well-deserved recognition from Arkansas Business,” CEO Bret Carroll said. “This 40 Under 40 recognition puts him in elite company, and he deserves to be there.”
The Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 awards program recognizes leaders under the age of 40 who are shaping the future of business, government and nonprofit work in Arkansas.
Scotty Bell
Jon Ross Henderson
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Girl Scout Troop 6452 visited Conway Corp and spent the day learning where water comes from and how it gets to their homes. From treatment to tap, they explored every step of the journey, took part in hands-on activities and earned a badge!
Conway Corp received the American Public Power Association (APPA) Sue Kelly Community Service Award during the APPA’s National Conference earlier this year in New Orleans, LA.
The award recognizes “good neighbor” activities that demonstrate the commitment of the utility and its employees to the community.
For nearly 100 years, Conway Corp has invested in projects and programs that support education, students and opportunities within the community.
“Community is one of our core values, and we strive to serve our community well,” CEO Bret Carroll said.
“We are not some ambiguous far away corporation. We are Conway Corporation, and the name means a lot. This recognition affirms our commitment to our community and encourages all of us to keep making a difference in the lives of our customers.”
Conway Corp was lighting up imaginations and future possibilities recently at Florence Mattison Elementary and Carolyn Lewis Elementary. Our electric and water departments participated in Enrichment Day at both schools, showcasing their tools and machines. Students learned how power is restored; how water gets to their house — and even had the chance to climb inside some of our vehicles.
CEO/General Manager of Snohomish County PUD in Washington and chair of the American Public Power Association’s Board of Directors John Haarlow, Conway Corp Chief Executive Officer Bret Carroll, Conway Corp Chief Marketing Officer Crystal Kemp, General Manager of Littleton Electric Light & Water Departments in Massachusetts and immediate past chair of the American Public Power Association’s Board of Directors Nick Lawler
APPA DAY OF GIVING
Since 2008, the American Public Power Association has held an annual Public Power Day of Giving in conjunction with its National Conference, where volunteers from public power companies spend a day with local service organizations in the conference host community.
This year, I gathered with colleagues to help renovate and rebuild storm-damaged homes in New Orleans, the host city for the 2025 conference.
We partnered with Rebuilding Together and the Green Project to help repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives in the New Orleans area.
Each year, APPA also encourages the more than 2,000 public power utilities across the country to join in and celebrate a “Month of Giving” by organizing local events in which employees can participate.
Public power is all about serving our community, and this year Conway Corp employees gave their time to assemble more than 3,000 snack bags to help restock the food pantry at the local Conway Ministry Center as well as the CAPCA Student Market, which serves families and individuals in crisis.
Conway Corp and our employees were able to donate more than 15,000 food items and an additional 700 hygiene items.
The celebration this month is only one way Conway Corp gives back
to our community. We employ nearly 300 individuals who serve on local boards, participate with local charities and more.
In 2024, our employees donated more than $25,000 to United Way, hosted a toy drive for the Angel Tree program and donated thousands of items to Renewal Ranch during the company’s annual employee appreciation event.
I’m proud of our employees who continually go above and beyond for Conway on and off the clock.
Bret Carroll Conway Corp CEO
