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Jean Lacefield, a Hot Springs native, brings decades of leadership in corporate supplier diversity, community development, and nonprofit governance. Before returning home, she retired from PepsiCo, Inc. in Dallas after a distinguished career as Group Manager of Supplier Diversity, where she championed the inclusion and growth of minority- and women-owned businesses across the company’s global supply chain. She managed more than $700 million in annual purchasing with diverse suppliers across Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Pepsi Cola, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade.

Her work earned national recognition, including the Frito-Lay James O’Neal Advocate Award (1999) and the PepsiCo Harvey C. Russell Diversity & Inclusion Award (2009). Under her leadership, PepsiCo’s Supplier Diversity Team received three National Minority Supplier Development Council “Corporation of the Year” honors. Prior to PepsiCo, Jean held management roles with Pfizer Inc., Conoco Inc., the New York City Transit Authority, and Temple University. She is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting.

In 2021, Jean became Development Officer for the Gateway Community Association after serving as its President. She has been instrumental in advancing the Malvern Avenue Improvement Project, the revitalization effort that re-energized the historic “Black Broadway” corridor with new lighting, trees, and public art. Phase II concluded in 2022, and in August 2024 she will help unveil a historic marker honoring Mamie Phipps Clark, a Langstonian and pioneering social psychologist.

During her tenure, Jean has strengthened collaboration among residents, property owners, and local businesses to address community needs. She has secured over $1 million in CDBG funding for neighborhood infrastructure improvements (2014–2024) and has cultivated partnerships with Visit Hot Springs, 501 Prime, Habitat for Humanity, Walgreens, the Walton Family Foundation, Simmons Bank, First United Methodist Church, and numerous civic and business organizations.

Jean’s commitment to service extends across Arkansas. She currently serves as Development Officer & Past President of the Gateway Community Association; Board Member of the University of Arkansas; former member of the Sam Walton College Diversity Board; Board Member of Emergent Arts, the NPC Foundation Board, the Oaklawn Foundation Board, and ARVEST Bank Hot Springs; and outgoing Board Chair for Arkansans for the Arts.

Across her career, Jean has built a powerful network within the business and nonprofit communities. She continues to use her experience, relationships, and passion to help create a stronger, more vibrant Hot Springs and Arkansas.