Cupp will lead strategic private giving initiatives and foster key partnerships, as well as play key role in preparing for the annual Heartland Summit
Bentonville, Ark. – Today, Heartland Forward announced Krista Cupp as vice president of development. With extensive experience across advocacy, policy and communications, Cupp will lead Heartland Forward’s private giving initiatives and expand its network of key supporters to advance the organization’s mission of serving as a resource for the states and local communities in the middle of the country.
“We are excited to welcome Krista Cupp as vice president of development at Heartland Forward,” said Ross DeVol, CEO and president. “Krista’s extensive experience in both the public and private sector will be essential in building lasting, impactful partnerships that serve the needs of the heartland. As we work to build connected, innovative and resilient communities, her passion for the heartland will help amplify our efforts to strengthen the region.”
“Krista is a widely respected leader in her field and has been for many years. Bolstering our talented team with someone of her caliber is a game changer for Heartland Forward,” said Blake Woolsey, chief communications and development officer. “She will unlock new opportunities for our organization to grow and ultimately change the heartland for the better.”
In her new role, Cupp will be responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational direction of Heartland Forward’s private giving initiatives, while cultivating impactful cross-sector partnerships. In addition to overseeing fundraising efforts, she will play a critical role in preparing for Heartland Forward’s annual flagship event, Heartland Summit, which convenes policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, business, philanthropy and thought leaders to share insights on advancing the heartland.
Prior to joining Heartland Forward, Cupp served as communications officer for the Runway Group, a Bentonville-based holding company focused on investments in outdoor recreation, hospitality, aviation and real estate. She also held a prominent role as vice president at The Herald Group in Washington, D.C., and led corporate identity and executive communications for Tyson Foods. Cupp’s extensive career in strategic communications began with her work as a senior elections and grassroots coordinator for the National Rifle Association and as a communications specialist for U.S. Senator Kit Bond.
Cupp, a Missouri native, has received numerous accolades for her professional accomplishments, including being named one of Arkansas’ Top 100 Women of Impact and a recipient of the prestigious PRSA Silver Anvil Award. She is engaged nationally as a board member of the Independent Women’s Forum and a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. She is actively involved in local community organizations, serving on the board of the Perry Ryan Theater Company.
Heartland Forward studies broad economic trends and builds data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies that address the needs of the heartland. The organization recently announced its Connecting the Heartland Broadband Jobs Board to increase access to and awareness of broadband jobs and build a resilient broadband workforce.
For more information on Heartland Forward and its work to build thriving, resilient communities across the American heartland, please visit www.heartlandforward.org.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to being a resource for states and local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address the needs of the heartland – all while helping to change the narrative about the middle of the country and kick-starting economic growth.