VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentor Spotlight – Heide Harrell, APR
Posted on January 30, 2025
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Name: Heide Harrell, APR | Business/Profession: Director of Communications, Central Arkansas Water
Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.
I have more than 20 years of communications and marketing experience. Prior to Central Arkansas Water, I was vice president and communicators director of the Private Wealth Management division at Stephens, one of the largest, privately held independent investment firms off of Wall Street, as well as director of marketing and business development at Rose Law Firm, the oldest law firm west of the Mississippi River. In 2023, I was awarded the Crystal Award, the highest award presented by the Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Past Presidents Council, recognizing my significant and continuous contributions to both the public relations profession and PRSA.
Please share more about your current position and place of work. How have you grown professionally/personally in this role?
I currently serve as Director of communications for Central Arkansas Water, a metropolitan water system that serves nearly 500,000 Arkansans in eight counties. I have grown professionally and personally in ways that have expanded my leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. On a personal level, this role has fostered growth in areas like empathy, collaboration and resilience. The opportunity to work with passionate, mission-driven individuals has reinforced the importance of teamwork and community impact.
What drew you to being a mentor for an entrepreneurial group curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your professional journey?
The entrepreneurial space has historically been male-dominated, and systemic barriers prevent women and non-binary individuals from accessing the same opportunities and resources. By mentoring, I aim to share my knowledge, experience and insights to help empower others to break through these barriers. Being a woman has provided me with unique perspectives, especially when it comes to connecting with and empowering others who may feel marginalized. It’s instilled in me a deep commitment to advocating for gender equality and creating opportunities for women and non-binary individuals in professional spaces.
What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?
Traveling, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music.
What is your go-to piece of advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to you for guidance?
My go-to piece of advice for professionals, entrepreneurs or anyone seeking guidance is: “Embrace resilience and adaptability.” The journey, whether in business or personal development, is rarely linear. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of uncertainty. What’s most important is how you respond to those moments.
What is a professional achievement that you are most proud of, and why are you proud of it?
Most recently, I was elected as the first Arkansan to serve as the 2025 Chair-Elect and 2026 Chair of the PRSA National Board of Directors. I am grateful our Society’s Leadership Assembly delegates, comprised of PRSA members throughout the country, entrusted me with this vital role. I’m extremely proud to represent the state I love so much.