About | Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

About Us

Our Team

Brandom Gengelbach

President and CEO

Brandom Gengelbach assumed the role of President and CEO of the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce in October 2023, bringing with him more than 20 years of expertise in economic development and chamber leadership. With a proven track record in driving regional economic growth, Brandom is deeply committed to growing the Bentonville area and Northwest Arkansas economy and creating economic prosperity for all. He is passionate about building strong partnerships with local businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders to foster a brighter economic future for the region.

Before joining the Bentonville Area Chamber, Brandom served as the President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Brandom’s career has spanned domestic and international markets, with leadership roles in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Brisbane, Australia, where he excelled at marketing city assets and facilitating corporate relocations and expansions.

Brandom holds a B.A. from Samford University and an MBA from the University of Southampton, England, where he was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. Outside of his professional life, Brandom is an avid cyclist who enjoys being an active member of the Bentonville community. Brandom and his wife, Alison, have two sons.

Jack Short

Operations & Finance

Jack Short joins the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce from the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce where he served as Existing Business & Talent Development Coordinator. Short returned home to Northwest Arkansas following his graduation from the University of Central Arkansas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and played five years of college football. Short shares that, away from work, he enjoys exploring Northwest Arkansas’ opportunities for outdoor recreation, including skateboarding and golf, and spending time with his wife Megan and chocolate lab Queen.

Sarah Henderson

Marketing & Communications

Originally from the Bentonville area, Sarah Henderson joined the Chamber in October 2024 after a successful tenure in Washington D.C. as Communications Director in the U.S. House of Representatives. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and a deep-rooted commitment to the future of Northwest Arkansas. Having witnessed the transformation of the region firsthand, Sarah is passionate about contributing to the area’s continued success. In her current role, she leads marketing and communications efforts, focusing on elevating visibility and outreach for Chamber members. Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys reading, skiing the Rockies, and spending time on Beaver Lake with her family, friends, and beloved corgi, Walter.

Ashlee Dunahoo

Events and Logistics

With over 14 years of experience in operations and event planning, Ashlee brings a vibrant blend of logistical expertise and creative flair to the Chamber. Whether she’s orchestrating internal systems or crafting unforgettable experiences, Ashlee is dedicated to delivering top-tier results that leave a lasting impact. As a passionate small business owner, she’s deeply committed to strengthening the local economy and fostering opportunities for others to thrive. When she’s not working her magic in the professional world, Ashlee is a proud mom to three amazing humans, and she loves soaking up all the adventure and charm that Northwest Arkansas has to offer.

A mountain biker riding his bike past an American flag mural in downtown Bentonville.
A waterfall at Tanyard Creek Bella Vista.

The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit business organization representing the Bentonville area communities and is the premier advocate for businesses in Bentonville. We work daily to promote a healthy, vibrant economy while protecting and advancing the interests of our members and the community as a whole. We work in conjunction with citizens, businesses and our educational and governmental partners to improve their quality of life and we are very active in business expansion efforts. We bring businesses together to collectively accomplish what no business professional can achieve alone.

The Chamber aligns itself with more than 1,000 businesses in the area and is governed by a 19-member board of directors who represent the wide range of businesses among the organization’s membership. The board meets monthly to discuss issues regarding infrastructure, business development, community improvement, education and civic issues.

Board of Directors

Executive Board

Chris Schnurbusch headshot.

Chris Schnurbusch

Chair
Crossland Construction Company, Inc.
Mary Heman headshot.

Mary Heman

Incoming Chair
Ocean Spray
Martine Pollard headshot.

Martine Pollard

Past Chair
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
A headshot of a young Indian woman in a red top.

Sapna Ramachandran

Secretary/Treasurer
Kitestring Technical Services
Toby Teeter's headshot. A bald white businessman's headshot.

Toby Teeter

At-Large Member
University of Arkansas

Board of Directors

Dr. Scott Cooper, Mercy

Lee Culpepper, Walmart

Lance de la Rosa, Sam’s Club

Chad Evans, Arvest Bank

Weisi Basore, Bar Cleeta/The Big Lieutenant

Diane Carroll, Art+Wellness Enterprises

Nanci Koski, Changing Tides Financial

Matt Disheroon, Motto Hotel

Nathan Stout, Product Connections

 

Ex-Officio

Bea Apple, Hillfolk

Andrew Branch, XNA Airport

Sam Dean, The Amazeum

Mayor Bill Edwards, City of Centerton

Mayor John Flynn, City of Bella Vista

Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville

Dr. Debbie Jones, Bentonville Public Schools

Judge Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge

Mayor Stephanie Orman, City of Bentonville

Dr. Dennis Rittle, Northwest Arkansas Community College

Mayor Nathan See, Mayor, City of Pea Ridge

Denise Thomas, Arkansas World Trade Center

Board of Advisors

Arvest Bank

Basis Health

Carrot

Chemisphere

Cohova

DroneUp

Ernest Young

FARCO

Flywheel

Innoflexion

ISG

Ledger

Molson Coors

Nabholz

NCR

Pet Resort

Ricoh

Smart Eye

Softtek

Structuretone

Walmart