VCNEWS: The Venture Center Announces Promotions and New Hires

For Immediate Release
Contact: Becky Pittman
501.658.8185

The Venture Center Announces Promotions and New Hires

Ashley Jones to spearhead new operations role; Pamela Reed driving community entrepreneur programs

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. March 29, 2022 – The Venture Center today announced the addition of two new roles to serve entrepreneurs. Ashley Jones, longtime member of The Venture Center team, has been named Director of Operations. In her new role, Jones will help shape efficiencies and strategies within the organization. Pamela Reed has joined The Venture Center team as Managing Director of Entrepreneurship and Community Programs, and will oversee the planning and execution of all community programs.

Under Jones’s leadership, The Venture Center’s programming grew in size and scope, effectively serving entrepreneurs from all corners of the state. Through the pandemic, Jones implemented an all-virtual format and drove a stellar line up of programs to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state.

“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve been afforded here at The Venture Center. When I started here six years ago as the Community Champion, I could never have imagined this journey of personal and professional growth,” said Jones. “I look forward to applying all I’ve learned to this new operational role while still supporting our entrepreneurial community.”

As Jones shifts into her new role, Reed’s expertise is expected to deepen the value and strengthen the curriculum of The Venture Center’s bustling community program agenda, which currently hosts around 80 events annually and serves entrepreneurs statewide.

“For the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as they pursue their passions and build wealth in the process. My new role as the Managing Director of Entrepreneurship and Community Programs  at The Venture Center is the next step in the evolution of my career,” Reed stated. “I’m excited that I will be able to continue to work with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and other technical assistance providers as we reimagine the Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovate efficient ways to deliver products and services.”

Wayne Miller, Executive Director of The Venture Center, says Jones and Reed will add significant value to Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem in their new roles.

“The Venture Center is fortunate to be in a position to respond to the demand for services that support entrepreneurs right here in Arkansas. Ashley and Pamela individually, and as a team, embody the uniquely skilled, service-minded, and mission-driven qualities that we at The Venture Center strive to offer. I can’t wait to see what we do next with these remarkable leaders hitting their strides in these important roles.”

To learn more about The Venture Center’s community programs, visit www.venturecenter.co.

About The Venture Center
The Venture Center is a globally recognized Arkansas-based Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) that helps entrepreneurs turn their start-ups into viable, high-growth businesses. By leveraging the expertise of a world-class team of mentors, intensive programming, and introductions to the investor community, The Venture Center serves as an engine for economic growth in Arkansas and beyond.