Our Leadership

J.T. Geren is the vice president of communications at Heartland Forward, where he oversees the brand strategy, public relations, media relations and digital communications of Heartland Forward. Additionally, Geren leads public policy engagement and initiatives on Heartland Forward’s core focus areas of regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.

J.T. previously led communications and marketing for Runway Group, the Bentonville-based holding company of Tom Walton and Steuart Walton, which invests in outdoor recreation, hospitality, aviation and real estate.

Prior to joining Runway Group, he spent nearly a decade in intercollegiate athletics and worked in senior leadership roles at the University of Kansas and University of Arkansas. He led marketing efforts for Jayhawk and Razorback Athletics, notching revenue and attendance records during his time on campus.

He’s lived in four different Heartland states including Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Samford University and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Arkansas. He lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife, Heidi, and their two children.